Panun Kashmir rejects “Reconciliation” narrative at SKICC conclave
Demands Genocide Law and Separate Homeland
15/06/2026
Jammu, June 15 (KIP)-Panun Kashmir on Monday strongly criticized the recent developments relating to the Kashmiri Pandit community, describing the SKICC conclave as yet another attempt to manufacture narratives while ignoring the fundamental issues arising out of the genocide and exile of Kashmin Hindus.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, Panun Kashmir leaders asserted that the continuing policy approach of the State reflects a deep lack of understanding of the Kashmiri Pandit issue and has failed to provide arty meaningful roadmap for justice, recognition, restitution and political resolution
The press conference was addressed by Dr. Agnishekhar, Convenor, Panun Kashmir, P L. Kaul Budgami, Chief Advisor, Kuldeep Raina, General Secretary, B L Kaul, Organising Secretary, Bebooji Zutshi, Coordinator Jammu and Dr. Archana Pandita, Coordinator, Panun Kashmir Yuva Jammu.
Referring to the SKICC gathering, Dr. Agnishekhar noted that it was organized by a few overseas Kashmiri Pandits under the garb of a "heritage tour." He remarked that the tragedy of the Kashmiri Hindu community appears to have entered a new phase where genocide survivors are invited to celebrate heritage before the nation has even acknowledged the crime that severed them from that heritage. "The victims remain exiled, justice remains absent, rehabilitation remains elusive, yet we are repeatedly offered heritage tours as if civilizational dispossession can be cured through sightseeing," he said. "A homeland is not a museum exhibit to be visited periodically. It is a living national space to which a people have an inalienable right."
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Agnishekhar expressed serious concern over the recent conclave held at SKICC and questioned its projected independence. He observed that when invitations are reportedly extended by a serving government functionary such as former Director General of Police of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Rashmi Ranjan Swain, presently Chairman of the Odisha Uniformed Services Staff Selection Commission, the programme inevitably raises questions about official patronage and intent.
He stated that such exercises have become a recurring feature over the years and have consistently failed to address the central question of the genocide and forced exile of Kashmiri Hindus. According to him, the State continues to suffer from policy paralysis, offering symbolic engagements while avoiding substantive solutions.
The Panun Kashmir leadership also expressed strong reservations regarding the recent remarks of the Lieutenant Governor acknowledging the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits while simultaneously advocating reconciliation. The organization maintained that reconciliation cannot be imposed upon victims in the absence of truth, justice, accountability and institutional recognition of the crime
The speakers stated that asking genocide victims to reconcile without any legal or political framework for justice amounts to a subtle form of genocide denial. They emphasized that any attempt to dilute the memory of the genocide through calls for premature reconciliation would be unacceptable to the community and would constitute a betrayal of the sacrifices and suffering endured by generations of Kashmiri Hindus.
Panun Kashmir reiterated its long-standing demand for the enactment of a Genocide Recognition, Prevention and Punishment Bill, proposed by the organization. The proposed legislation, the speakers said, would provide legal recognition to genocide as a distinct crime, criminalize genocide denial, and establish mechanisms for justice, remembrance and prevention.
The organization also reaffirmed its demand for the creation of Panun Kashmir, a separate Union Territory in the Kashmir Valley with constitutional safeguards for the rehabilitation, security and political empowerment of Kashmiri Hindus. The speakers maintained that Panun Kashmir remains the only comprehensive political solution capable of addressing the consequences of genocide and ensuring that the community can live in its ancestral homeland with dignity and security
Referring to the National Conference's announcement of a protest during the forthcoming Mansoon Session for restoration of statehood, Panun Kashmir stated that questions relating to statehood cannot supersede the unresolved issue of genocide. The organization announced that it would hold a parallel protest on the opening day of the Monsoon Session to demand recognition of the genocide of Kashmiri Hindus, enactment of the Genocide Bill proposed by Panun Kashmir, and creation of Panun Kashmir as the political resolution of the community's exile.
The leaders appealed to all Kashmiri Pandit organizations, intellectuals, scholars, jurists, writers, youth groups, social activists, human rights advocates and concerned citizens to participate in the proposed protest and support the cause of justice and recognition.
The press conference also announced that Panun Kashmir will observe International Refugee Day on June 20 at Invitation Hall, Roop Nagar, Jammu. The programme will focus on the continuing plight of Kashmiri Hindus as victims and survivors of genocide who remain internally displaced in their own country. The event will seek to highlight the distinction between displacement and genocide and reiterate the community's demands for recognition, justice and political rehabilitation.
Concluding the press conference, the speakers stated that the Kashmiri Pandit community is not seeking symbolic sympathy but a principled resolution based on justice, historical truth and constitutional guarantees. They reaffirmed their commitment to continue the struggle until the genocide of Kashmiri Hindus is formally recognized, the proposed Genocide Bill
enacted, and Panan Kashmir is established.