Member of Parliament Vivek Tankha has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the longstanding issues faced by Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) during the upcoming session of Parliament. The assurance came after a delegation from the All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS), led by its president Ravinder Pandita, met him in New Delhi to discuss key concerns.
The delegation thanked Tankha, a Kashmiri-origin MP from Madhya Pradesh, for his earlier efforts in raising the “Kashmiri Pandits (Recourse, Restitution, Rehabilitation and Resettlement) Bill, 2022” in the Rajya Sabha and urged him to continue pressing for justice and resettlement of the community. AIKS also presented him with a traditional Sharda shawl and a portrait, symbolizing their gratitude.
During the meeting, AIKS reiterated demands for the reconstitution of the apex body for Kashmiri Pandits, which was disbanded in 2014. The organization highlighted its critical role in coordinating and addressing the community’s concerns. Furthermore, AIKS urged Tankha to advocate for the reopening of the historic Sharda Peeth, a revered temple in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK), on the lines of the Kartarpur Corridor.
AIKS Urges MP Vivek Tankha
The reopening of Sharda Peeth, an ancient symbol of Kashmiri civilization and spirituality, would not only honor the sentiments of Kashmiri Pandits but also serve as a powerful reminder of their cultural and historical heritage. While the Kartarpur Corridor symbolizes goodwill for the Sikh community, the neglect of Sharda Peeth reflects Pakistan’s disregard for the shared heritage of South Asia. The Pakistan establishment’s reluctance to open Sharda Peeth reveals its selective approach to religious diplomacy, further marginalizing Kashmiri Hindus.
Tankha assured the delegation that he would bring these demands to the attention of Parliament and raise pertinent questions in the forthcoming session. He also expressed his support for the International Mother Tongue Day festival, organized by AIKS on February 22 in New Delhi, and accepted their invitation to attend.
The meeting underscores the relentless struggle of Kashmiri Pandits, who continue to demand justice and recognition of their rights decades after being forced to flee their homeland. The AIKS delegation, comprising General Secretary Sunil Koul, Vice Presidents Arun Shalia and Ramesh Kitchlu, and Joint Secretary Ashish Zutshi, also presented Tankha with the latest issue of Naad Magazine, the official mouthpiece of AIKS, highlighting their ongoing initiatives.