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| Bandhu Ji — Rise from the Ashes | | 
Rajiv Bhat
Recently, Mr Raina who was a little child when his parents were forced to leave their ancestral village of Drusu in 1990, made a courageous decision to return and reclaim his land that holds the memories of generations.
Driven by a heart aching for the warmth of his roots, Mr Raina returned to his ancestral village, Drusu, and decided to fence his ancestral lands that lay in ruins. But instead of the welcome he had hoped for, his neighbours met him with cold resistance and hostility. Women hurled his materials aside, their voices echoing with rejection, asking him to leave.
This heartbreaking scene, unfolding so close to Pulwama, is a stark reminder that the Kashmiri Pandits, once betrayed in their own homes, still face the same sorrow today. The much-celebrated Bhaichaara and Kashmiriyat seem genuine only when we visit as tourists; but the moment we seek to reclaim our heritage, the masks fall away, revealing the harsh reality beneath. All one can do is shed silent tears for the shattered dreams and pray for the return of a leader as inspiring as Pt. Kashyap Bandhu.
Reflecting on history, the Pandit community endured severe hardships in 1931, including widespread looting and destruction. Yet, from the ashes, Kashyap Bandhu — barely in his thirties — rose like a Phoenix. His leadership united the community, igniting a fire of resilience and faith. His efforts led to the formation of the Sanatan Dharam Yuvak Sabha, later known as ASKPC, which worked to improve community welfare and foster cooperation with the majority leadership through the National Conference. Bandhu Ji himself took the hand of the majority leadership, urging Pandits to trust their neighbours.
But even these efforts could not shield the community from further heartbreak: land was seized without compensation in 1951 and 1971, opportunities were denied in 1975, and the darkness deepened in 1986, leading to the mass exodus of 1990. The haunting cries of “Raliv, Galiv, Chaliv” and “yaha kya chalega, Nizam-e-Mustafa” still echo in every Pandit’s soul.
Now, 35 years later, Raina Ji’s brave attempt to reclaim his heritage is met with the same resistance. The National Conference, led by a third-generation Abdullah, remains in power but offers little hope. The ASKPC survives in name alone, sustained by a handful of hopeful hearts. In these bleak times, we yearn for Kashyap Bandhu to rise again and rekindle the spirit of the community.
The older generation, like me, shaped by years of coexistence and talks of Bhaichaara, may get swayed by sympathetic words which is all but taqiyya, but the younger generation can see through the illusions. The message for the youth is clear: act now to secure the future, as opportunities and desire to return may soon disappear.
Politically, the community finds itself isolated, having been used by various parties over the years. Soon after 1947, we were more loyal to the NC than the NC stalwarts themselves. Later we were used by Congress when Sadiq Sahib brought it to the valley. NC had to divide the Habbakadal constituency to break our strength. After landing in Jammu, the BJP used us as showpieces in their political showcase. But now nobody wants us because they want our votes, not our souls.
Therefore, oh young man, rise and get going, take lead from Kashyap Bandhu’s life and take charge like he did in 1931. Bandhu Ji’s Nirvan Devas falls on 18th December. Take a pledge on this day to follow in his footsteps and work to restore the community’s strength, pride and dignity.
(The author is a former JKAS officer)
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