Exiled from Kashmir: The Forced Migration of the Kashmiri Pandit Community

Abstract - The forced migration of Kashmiri Pandits from the Kashmir Valley is a tragic chapter in the history of the community, spanning several centuries. These migrations were primarily driven by religious and political persecution, invasions, and societal upheavals. The first significant migration occurred in the 7th-8th century due to Islamic invasions, followed by others during the Mongol invasions in the 13th century, religious persecution under Sultan Sikandar in the 15th century, and the Mughal period in the 16th century. The early 19th century saw another migration due to Afghan rule, while the 20th century experienced the largest exodus, particularly in 1947 during the Partition of India and in 1990 due to the rise of Islamic militancy in the region.

The primary reasons for these migrations were religious intolerance, political instability, and violence, often exacerbated by the community's refusal to convert or abandon their cultural and religious identity. Despite various attempts to integrate or adapt to changing circumstances, the severity of the persecution left the Pandit community with no choice but to flee. The lack of political protection, social marginalization, and the absence of strong defense mechanisms further led to their displacement.

The migrations of Kashmiri Pandits highlight the harsh realities of religious and political conflict, where the survival of a community becomes contingent upon fleeing to safer regions. These events underline the challenges of maintaining cultural identity in the face of external aggression and intolerance.

Keywords - Kashmiri Pandits, Forced migration, Religious persecution, Islamic invasions, Kashmiri Pandit exodus, 1990 migration, Militancy in Kashmir, Religious intolerance

Introduction

The history of the Kashmiri Pandits, a historically significant Hindu community in the Kashmir Valley, is marked by a series of migrations driven by religious and political turmoil. Over the centuries, the community has faced periods of persecution, invasions, and social upheaval, each leading to mass exoduses that have shaped their cultural and historical identity. These migrations were not merely relocations but profound expressions of the struggle to maintain their faith, traditions, and presence in the region. From early Islamic invasions and the rise of militant Islam in the late 20th century to shifts in political control, the Kashmiri Pandits have been compelled to migrate due to violence, threats, and the erosion of their rights and cultural heritage. This introduction explores the key factors that have led to the forced migrations of the Kashmiri Pandit community throughout history, highlighting the challenges they faced and the enduring impact of these events on their identity and legacy.

Forced Migration in Post-Independence

The forced migration of Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir is a painful chapter in the region's modern history, marked by socio-political changes, violence, and religious upheaval. Below is a chronological timeline of key events leading to the forced migration of the Kashmiri Pandits:

Pre-1989 Context:

·        Ancient to Medieval Period: Kashmiri Pandits were the traditional intellectual, cultural, and administrative elite of Kashmir. They held prominent positions in society, contributing to the region's scholarship, administration, and religious practices.

·        Post-Independence (1947-1980s): Kashmir remained a politically sensitive area after the Partition of India in 1947. The Kashmiri Pandit community, predominantly Hindu, coexisted with the Muslim majority in the region. However, political tensions and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in Pakistan gradually created instability.

1980s – The Rise of Militancy

·        1986: The situation began to deteriorate when communal violence by Muslims on Hindus was carried mainly in Anantnag region, fueled by political tensions and the rise of Islamic extremism. The situation worsened when the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), a separatist group, intensified its campaign for an independent Kashmir.

·        1987: The rise of militancy in the Kashmir Valley started to gain strength. The political environment became increasingly hostile to Kashmiri Pandits as the Islamic militancy was supported by Pakistan, and the local Muslim community, influenced by radical ideologies, began to demand an Islamic state.

·        1989: The turning point came when the Jammu and Kashmir government, under the leadership of Farooq Abdullah, was dismissed, and the state was brought under direct rule by the central government of India. This year saw the escalation of violence and threats against the Kashmiri Pandit community, which was accused of being sympathetic to India’s rule. Militants began targeting the Pandit community with attacks, killings, and threats.

1990 – The Exodus

·        January 1990: The situation turned catastrophic for the Kashmiri Pandits. Militants, particularly those from JKLF and other Pakistan-supported groups, issued open threats to the Pandits. On January 19, 1990, a mass exodus was triggered by the issuance of loudspeaker broadcasts and threatening posters calling for Pandits to leave the Valley. Many Pandits were brutally murdered, and several women were raped. The intimidation and terror reached a point where it became impossible for the Pandits to live in the Valley.

·        January 20, 1990: Majority of Kashmiri Pandit community fled their homes overnight. They sought refuge in various parts of India, particularly in Jammu and Delhi, many of them becoming refugees in their own country. The vast majority of the community abandoned their homes, properties, and livelihoods.

1990s – The Continued Displacement

·        Early 1990s: As the exodus continued, the Kashmir Valley saw the mass destruction of temples, shrines, and homes belonging to Kashmiri Pandits. The Valley became almost entirely Muslim-majority, with the religious and cultural identity of the Pandit community severely eroded. Many Pandits faced severe hardships in refugee camps, with limited resources and no immediate hope of returning to their homeland.

·        1991-1995: The militancy in Kashmir reached its peak, with violent attacks on anyone perceived to be loyal to India, including local Hindus. During this period, a significant number of Pandits who had initially stayed behind were also killed, further compounding the exodus.

Post-1990s – Struggles of Displacement

·        1996-2000: The armed conflict between Indian forces and Kashmiri separatist groups continued to intensify. While some Pandits attempted to return to their homeland, most were either unable to do so or were met with resistance and violence from militant groups. The exiled Pandit community continued to live in refugee camps and settlements in various parts of India.

·        2000s: The Indian government began efforts to create a framework for the return of Kashmiri Pandits, including the construction of homes and facilities in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the lack of security and political stability prevented their return in large numbers. The conflict and political uncertainties persisted, leaving the Pandit community dispersed across the country.

·        2010s – Present: The Kashmiri Pandit community continues to demand justice for the atrocities committed against them, including the return of their properties and the right to return to the Valley. Efforts by the Indian government and local Kashmiri organizations have not led to large-scale resettlement or reconciliation. The 2019 revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, has altered the political landscape, but it remains to be seen how this will affect the prospects for the return of the Pandit community.

Forced Migration before Independence

The Kashmiri Pandit community has faced several waves of forced migration from Kashmir throughout history, often due to political and religious upheavals, invasions, or social pressures. These migrations are seen as significant events in the community's history. The seven major migrations of Kashmiri Pandits are believed to have occurred at different points in time. Here’s an overview of those migrations:

Migration of 7th-8th Century (Early Medieval Period)

·        Timeframe: 7th to 8th century CE

·        Cause: The spread of Islam and the changes in the political landscape.

·        Details: During the early Islamic invasions in the 7th-8th centuries, there were significant religious and cultural shifts. A number of Kashmiri Pandits, who had been serving as scholars, administrators, and priests, left due to increasing religious intolerance. Some migrated to other parts of India to seek refuge in regions where they could practice their beliefs freely.

Migration of 13th Century (Mongol Invasions)

·        Timeframe: 13th century CE

·        Cause: Mongol invasions and the subsequent devastation.

·        Details: The Mongol invasions in the 13th century, led by the Ghurid and Turkic forces, caused widespread destruction in Kashmir. This forced many Kashmiri Pandits to flee to neighboring regions like Punjab, Delhi, and other parts of North India.

Migration of 15th Century (Religious Persecution under Sultan Sikandar)

·        Timeframe: Late 14th to 15th century

·        Cause: The reign of Sultan Sikandar, who was known for his harsh policies toward Hindus and the forced conversions to Islam.

·        Details: Sultan Sikandar, often called "Sikandar Butshikan" (Sikandar the iconoclast), was responsible for the destruction of temples and forced conversions in the Kashmir Valley. Many Kashmiri Pandits left the Valley during this period to escape religious persecution, seeking refuge in places like Jammu, Delhi, and other parts of India.

Migration of 16th Century (Mughal Period and the Decline of Kashmiri Hindu Rule)

·        Timeframe: 16th century CE

·        Cause: The Mughal conquest of Kashmir in the 16th century.

·        Details: After the Mughal Emperor Akbar annexed Kashmir in the late 16th century, there was a shift in the region’s political and social structures. The Kashmiri Pandit community, which had enjoyed prominence during the independent Hindu rulers, found themselves marginalized under Mughal rule. Some migrated during this period, but the community still retained its cultural significance.

Migration of 19th Century (Afghan Invasions and Sikh Rule)

·        Timeframe: Early 19th century

·        Cause: The invasion of Kashmir by Afghan rulers and later the political changes under Sikh rule.

·        Details: In the early 19th century, Afghanistan’s rulers invaded Kashmir, leading to harsh conditions for the local population. This period saw the migration of many Kashmiri Pandits, as they fled the brutal conditions created by Afghan rulers. Later, after Kashmir was annexed by the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, some Pandits moved again due to the instability and changes in governance.

Migration of 1947 (Post-Partition Violence)

·        Timeframe: 1947 (Indian Partition)

·        Cause: The partition of India and the communal violence that followed.

·        Details: In the wake of India’s partition in 1947 and the subsequent turmoil in the region, many Kashmiri Pandits migrated to India to escape the violence, particularly in the areas that became Pakistan. This migration was not as extensive as others, but the community faced significant hardships, with some leaving their properties behind.

Migration of 1990 (Exodus Due to Militancy)

·        Timeframe: 1990

·        Cause: The rise of militancy and Islamic radicalism in Kashmir.

·        Details: The most recent and largest forced migration took place in 1990. As Islamic militancy in Kashmir intensified, militant groups issued threats and demanded that Kashmiri Pandits leave the Valley. The violence and targeted killings of Pandits led to the mass exodus, with approximately 100,000-200,000 people fleeing overnight. This marked a significant chapter in the history of the Kashmiri Pandit community.

Summary of Major Migrations:

1.     7th-8th century – Early migrations due to Islamic invasions.

2.     13th century – Migration due to Mongol invasions.

3.     Late 14th-15th century – Migration during the reign of Sultan Sikandar.

4.     16th century – Migration due to Mughal rule.

5.     Early 19th century – Migration due to Afghan invasions and Sikh rule.

6.     1947 – Migration during the Partition of India.

7.     1990 – The largest and most significant exodus due to militancy.

Main Reasons for Forced Migration

The main reason for the forced migration of Kashmiri Pandits throughout history has been religious and political persecution, which was often exacerbated by invasions, military conquests, and political shifts in the region. Each of the major migrations mentioned earlier was driven by different forms of external pressure, including forced conversions, violence, destruction of temples, and the imposition of policies that marginalized the community. The key reasons for the forced migration of Kashmiri Pandits are;

Religious Persecution: In periods such as the reign of Sultan Sikandar (late 14th-15th century) and the rise of Islamic militancy in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Kashmiri Pandits were targeted due to their Hindu faith. The threat of forced conversions, violence, and cultural suppression led many to flee.

Political Instability: Changes in political control, such as during the Mughal invasion, Afghan rule, or post-1947 political upheavals, disrupted the social and economic stability of the Kashmiri Pandit community. When new rulers took control, the community often faced marginalization, persecution, or forced displacement.

Violence and Fear: From the Mongol invasions in the 13th century to the insurgency in 1990, the fear of violence—particularly the targeted killings of Pandits—prompted them to seek refuge in other parts of India. For example, in 1990, the rising militancy and the declaration of an "Islamic state" led to widespread violence, forcing the Pandit community to flee for their lives.

Conclusion

The forced migration of Kashmiri Pandits is a tragic and complex saga, deeply rooted in centuries of religious, political, and social turmoil. From the early invasions by Islamic forces to the rise of militancy in the late 20th century, the community faced repeated waves of persecution, which led to multiple exoduses. The reasons for these migrations were often tied to the community's steadfast adherence to its religious and cultural identity, as well as the larger political and social upheavals in the region. Despite efforts to adapt and integrate, the severity of the violence, marginalization, and lack of protection from local authorities left the community with little choice but to flee in search of safety and survival.

The Kashmiri Pandit diaspora remains a testament to the resilience of a community that, despite being uprooted from its ancestral homeland, continues to preserve its cultural heritage. The history of their migrations underscores the challenges faced by religious and cultural minorities in regions of political and religious conflict, where survival often demands difficult choices. Today, the memory of these migrations, especially the exodus of 1990, continues to shape the community’s identity and its struggle for justice, recognition, and eventual return to its homeland.