KD NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Dec 29: The All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS) (Regd.) on Sunday strongly advocated for a comprehensive, credible and time-bound return and rehabilitation policy for Kashmiri Pandits, while pressing for their political empowerment and institutional protection of temples and shrines in the Kashmir Valley, during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held here.
The AGM unanimously urged both the Central and State Governments to initiate concrete measures ensuring the safe, dignified and sustainable return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland. Emphasising the need for political consensus, the organisation called for the adoption of an Assembly resolution on return and rehabilitation, terming it essential for long-term confidence-building within the displaced community. AIKS also demanded the establishment of a dedicated Temples & Shrines Board to safeguard, preserve and manage the community’s religious places in the Valley.
As part of the proceedings, the audited financial statement of the organisation was presented, along with a detailed activity report for the year 2025. Members reviewed AIKS’s initiatives, organisational growth and future roadmap, while appreciating the transparency and outreach achieved during the year.
In the second session of the AGM, extensive deliberations were held on the proposed community census. The Samaj urged the Centre to formally recognise Kashmiri Pandits as a distinct community and to grant them reverse minority status, citing their prolonged displacement, dwindling population and socio-political vulnerability. The meeting also highlighted the need for a comprehensive documentation of ancestral properties left behind in Kashmir, supported by authentic revenue records, and called for short-term policy interventions to prevent further loss or encroachment.
Addressing the gathering, AIKS President Ravinder Pandita strongly advocated the restoration and reconstitution of the Apex Committee of Kashmiri Pandits, which was disbanded in 2014, stating that the body is crucial for effective coordination between the government and the community. He further informed members that AIKS is actively engaging with the Central Government and the Delhi Government for the establishment of a Kashmiri Academy and a dedicated museum in Delhi to preserve the community’s rich cultural heritage.
The AGM concluded with General Secretary Sunil Kaul presenting the vote of thanks, followed by a high tea. On the occasion, AIKS also marked 45 years of its inception, reflecting on its long-standing role in representing and advocating the interests of Kashmiri Pandits.
Affiliated units from Jammu, Hyderabad and the Delhi-NCR region participated in the day-long AGM, contributing to the discussions and organisational deliberations.
