Abandoned Houses of Kashmiri Pandits Set Ablaze in Mattan, Anantnag
In a deeply troubling incident, several abandoned homes of Kashmiri Pandits in Mattan, Anantnag, were set ablaze in the early hours of Sunday. This act of arson has left the community in shock and has raised urgent questions about the safety and preservation of heritage properties left behind by Kashmiri pandits in the valley.
The Incident
The fire, which started around 1 a.m., destroyed five historic homes in the Lone Mohalla area of Mattan. These houses, which had been empty since the early 1990s due to the exodus of their owners amidst rising violence, were well-maintained and stood as poignant reminders of the rich cultural legacy of the Kashmiri Pandits.
A Disturbing Pattern
This incident follows closely on the heels of another tragic event: the burning of the 109-year-old Maharani Temple in Gulmarg last month. The temple, a significant cultural and historical site, was built in 1915 by Queen Mohini Bai Sisodia and had been a cherished landmark. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but there are strong suspicions that it was a deliberate act of vandalism.
Kashmiri Youth Movement’s Response
Thesse acts of vandalism against our heritage is being systematically destroyed. These homes and temples are not just buildings; they are a part of our identity. The last vestiges of our homes are still an eyesore for islamists who want to occupy last remaining pieces of our existence. It should not be treated lightly by the government of India. It should not be treated as isolated cases of violence, in the past the widespread arson that occurred in 1986, many homes of hindus were similarly torched and looted.
Urgent Demands
The Kashmiri Pandit community has put forth several urgent demands:
- Immediate Investigation: A thorough and transparent investigation into the fires to identify and penalize those responsible. The Jammu and Kashmir Police must not treat this as an isolated case of vandalism but recognise this as an attack on the last vestige of Kashmiri Pandits who left the valley. The houses of Kashmiri pandits reflect the old rich heritage of kashmir. These houses should be kept safe from all kinds of
- Enhanced Security: Increased security measures to protect abandoned properties and prevent further acts of vandalism. Deploy means and measures to stop tresspassers and avoid any damage to properties.
- Restoration and Preservation: Initiatives to restore and preserve the damaged properties, ensuring they remain a part of the region’s cultural heritage. All the properties left behind by Kashmiri Pandits must be marked by authorities and be kept under check to make sure they are not further damaged or attacked.
Conclusion
The fires in Mattan and Gulmarg are not just attacks on physical structures; they are attacks on the very identity and heritage of the Kashmiri Pandit community. It is imperative that the authorities take swift and decisive action to address this issue. The preservation of these historic sites is not just a matter of cultural pride but also a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Kashmiri Pandits.
The community’s call for justice and protection must not go unheard. It is time for the authorities to step up and ensure that the rich cultural tapestry of Kashmir is preserved for future generations.
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