I still remember that day like it happened yesterday. Life in Kashmir was wonderful, but when I was 9, my family and many others had to leave in a hurry. We were running for our lives. I can see my mom packing our stuff, tears in her eyes. We had no clue that we wouldn't see our home again.
We moved to Jammu, living in tents with soldiers around us. Waiting in lines for basic things like blankets and food became a routine. Years passed, and it was tough to watch our parents struggle to provide for our education. They kept telling us to focus on studies and move away from the state for our safety.
My sisters and I finished school in Jammu and then went on to study in Maharashtra. It's been more than 30 years, but the pain of leaving our home in Kashmir and seeing our parents suffer still haunts me.
People often talk about Article 370 and how it affected Kashmiri Pandit families. Imagine being told in a job, "Now that Article 370 is gone, why are you still here in Maharashtra? Go back to your state." These discussions bring back memories of a difficult time, reminding us how political decisions can deeply affect individuals and families.
Speaking about Article 370, it was a special provision in the Indian Constitution that granted autonomy to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It allowed the state to have its own constitution and decision-making powers, except in matters related to defense, communications, and foreign affairs. This autonomy was a result of the Instrument of Accession signed by the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947.
However, on August 5, 2019, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took a historic step by revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 was abrogated, and the state was bifurcated into two separate Union Territories – Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. This move was met with mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a step towards integration and development, while others expressed concerns about its impact on the region's identity and the rights of its residents.
For Kashmiri Pandit families like mine, the aftermath of this decision was complex. The abrogation of Article 370 opened up new possibilities but also brought challenges, including uncertainties about our identity and belonging. The fear of being asked to return to our home state, as mentioned in the job scenario, reflects the complexities that individuals from the region continue to navigate.
In hindsight, the events surrounding Article 370 are a crucial part of our narrative, shaping not only the political landscape but also the personal stories of countless families who had to adapt to unforeseen changes, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. So on paper things might have changed but on ground nothing has changed for Kashmiri pandits but yes we are happy to see the infrastructure & the tourism of the state getting better.
Sonika ji can you please share, who had asked or which company that you worked in had asked to go back to your native state?