The Hindu : Only 15 remain here now

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 11, 2003

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Only 15 remain here now

By Shujaat Bukhari

NADIMARG (South Kashmir) APRIL 10. This tiny hamlet was witness to poignant scenes as more than one half of the small population of Kashmiri Pandits has finally decided to call it a day here.

Two families, comprising 13 members, left for Jammu on Wednesday. All the efforts, right from the People's Democratic Party's vice-president, Mehbooba Mufti, to the lone Pandit Minister in the Mufti Government, Raman Mattoo, besides some separatists have failed to persuade the most terrified lot of this minority community.

Even the deployment of around 150 heavily armed policemen could do little to instil confidence among them.

Young Vicky Kumar broke down as he recollected the chilly morning when he saw his father, mother and sister lying in white shrouds. "... how can I live here,'' he sobbed. "There is nothing for me here... I am migrating to Jammu."

Along with Vicky, two dozen Pandits are leaving Nadimarg for good.

On March 24, militants gunned down 24 of the 52 Pandits left in the village following a mass exodus in early 90's.

Idications are that the remaining 15 persons may also say "good bye" soon.

"Will they (policemen) be able to protect even themselves," asked a Pandit even as the two families were leaving the village on Wednesday. Some of their Muslim neighbours gathered only to add to the sighs and shrieks.

Ghost village

The village, which received a large number of personalities, including the Deputy Prime Minister, L. K. Advani, and the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, is like a ghost town now and even Muslims are not ready to move into it.

"The tragedy will continue to haunt us," said Bashir Ahmed, a resident. He however swore that he would look after the property of his hapless neighbours.

There are around 9,000 Pandits living in 270 villages and towns in Kashmir now. The authorities are trying hard to restore their shattered confidence. The Director-General of Police, A.K. Suri, said: "We have enhanced the security in minority areas".

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