The State of Displaced Kashmiri Pandits’ Houses in Kashmir Valley: A Personal Perspective

Imagine stepping outside your window and finding nothing but remnants of what once were flourishing homes. This is the reality you face when viewing the condition of houses left behind by the displaced Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir Valley. This article delves into the state of these houses and the emotions attached to them, drawing from personal anecdotes and observations.

The Abandoned Houses

Take a look at the picture of one of the houses: currently under construction when the Exodus took place, it lay neglected and unattended. The present state of the house is a result of sheer negligence. It has become a makeshift shelter for animals and serves as a cricket pavilion for local children. Occasionally, it becomes an impromptu gathering spot for people seeking refuge from the daily grind.

Another Home

This picture is of a house once belonging to my family. My cousin resides in it while my family shifted to a new house two years ago. It is a typical old house in Kashmir, unchanged from before the Exodus. Although some family members left, they quickly returned, showing a deep-rooted love for home, much like the people of Kashmir themselves.

Impact of Displacement

Across my locality, there are several houses belonging to Kashmiri Pandits that remain unoccupied due to the displacement. Many of these houses were sold to locals by the Kashmiri Pandits. These remnants of a once-peaceful past now stand as silent witnesses to a time of trauma and upheaval.

A Family’s History

Take a look at the picture of my grandfather’s house. It was immensely beautiful and spacious. Its current state is a stark contrast to its former glory—the shell of a shelter for animals. Expensive belongings and memories of family gatherings now lie forgotten. These pictures evoke a sense of nostalgia and pain as my parents recount stories of happier times.

The Disturbing Reality

My mother’s house, too, is a mere shadow of its former self. Only stones and barren land remain. Its previous beauty serves as a poignant reminder of the unimaginable sacrifices made. The Exodus was not just about losing homes, but also about losing the soul of a community, burning down dreams and identities like they were nothing.

Forced Occupation and Tensions

The current scenario presents a fragmented vista of broken buildings and barren land, indicating forced occupation. Local residents are not willing to hand over their properties for any reason, symbolizing the deep emotional attachment and identity tied to these homes. The Exodus was a deeply painful experience for those left behind, their sense of belonging and identity forever altered.

Conclusion

The thought of Kashmir evokes a myriad of emotions, reflecting not just a place, but a feeling. The dream for Kashmiri Pandits to reclaim their homeland remains unfulfilled. The houses, once proud symbols of family and heritage, now stand in ruins, silent testaments to a troubled past. It is a reminder of the need to heal the wounds of displacement and to honor the memories and stories of those who were forced to leave their homes.