JAMMU, Aug 5: Panun Kashmir on Tuesday strongly condemned the killing of two Hindu migrant labourers in Kulgam district and urged the Government of India to adopt what it described as a more realistic assessment of the security situation and the ideological dimensions of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a press conference, Panun Kashmir Chairman Dr. Ajay Chrungoo expressed profound shock over the killings and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. He said the organisation stood in solidarity with the victims’ families and termed the incident a reminder of the continuing security challenges in the Valley.
Dr. Chrungoo alleged that the Government of India had not adequately recognised what he described as the ideological basis and strategic objectives of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. He urged the Centre to avoid what he termed the “trivialisation or secularisation” of terrorism and called for recognition of the historical suffering of the Kashmiri Hindu community.
Questioning the official narrative of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, he claimed that repeated militant attacks, targeted killings, infiltration attempts and prolonged anti-terror operations indicated that the security threat remained significant. According to him, recent incidents showed that terrorists had become more organised and tactically sophisticated.
The Panun Kashmir chairman further alleged that terrorism continued to receive ideological, logistical and strategic support from Pakistan while also relying on local support structures and extremist indoctrination. He maintained that economic development and tourism alone could not address the problem unless accompanied by measures targeting the ideological and organisational foundations of terrorism.
Listing the organisation’s concerns, Dr. Chrungoo said terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir should be viewed as a sustained campaign against India’s sovereignty and asserted that Hindus living in or returning to the Valley continued to face security risks. He also cautioned against encouraging civilians, including pilgrims, workers and professionals, to move into the Valley without a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing security environment.
He reiterated Panun Kashmir’s long-standing demand for the establishment of a Union Territory of Panun Kashmir within the Kashmir Valley, as envisaged in the organisation’s Margdarshan Resolution, stating that it would facilitate the permanent return, rehabilitation, security and constitutional empowerment of displaced Kashmiri Hindus.
Dr. Chrungoo further stated that acknowledging the historical suffering of the displaced Kashmiri Hindu community and ensuring their secure rehabilitation were essential for achieving lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir.