Jammu, Feb 19 (NationPress) The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, expressed his admiration on Thursday for the enduring spirit of Kashmiri Pandits, who have safeguarded the philosophy, spirituality, culture, language, and traditions of Kashmir despite facing immense challenges and hardships.

During the event, Lt Governor Sinha unveiled a book authored by Prof. Ashok Koul titled ‘Kashmir — Nativity Regained’. This book delves into the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, documenting the horror of those tumultuous times and the profound loss felt by families severed from their ancestral heritage.

On this occasion, Lt Governor Sinha emphasized that it is the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unwavering commitment to ensure that Kashmiri Pandits return to their homeland with complete dignity, honor, and safety.

“Since 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a significant transformation. The malevolent designs of adversaries aiming to obliterate the aspirations and future of the Union Territory's populace have been thoroughly dismantled.

“Ongoing efforts have restored the ancient splendor of this land, accelerating its development. Very soon, we will eradicate the scourge of terrorism from this soil.

“Prof. Koul's book is not merely a literary work; it is a commendable attempt to break the silence that has enveloped our collective consciousness for decades.

“I am firmly convinced that one of the greatest tragedies in the world is becoming a stranger in one’s own land. This is exactly what occurred in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The pain stemming from the targeted violence and killings of Kashmiri Pandits in 1989-90 runs so deep that even the passage of time cannot heal it.

“The heartache of being forced to abandon homes overnight and uprooted from one’s heritage still lingers painfully for displaced families.

“The terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir attempted to conceal the truth, but we must never forget or forgive those terrorists and their support networks who inflicted terror and wounded the very soul of generations.

“In August 2019, the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked Article 370 and fully integrated Jammu and Kashmir, it restored hope that the younger generation could reclaim their roots without fear,” he stated.

The Lt Governor pointed out that in 2021, the Kashmiri Migrant portal was launched to aid the recovery of properties and lands belonging to the Kashmiri Pandit community that had been encroached upon.

“I truly believe that among the most profound sorrows in the world is the agony of becoming a stranger on one’s own soil. This is precisely what transpired in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The younger generation must never forget that Pakistan-backed terrorists have also shed the blood of countless innocent Kashmiri Muslims.

“Many stories are so heart-wrenching that words fall short in recounting them. Justice has begun to reach these families since last year, with efforts underway to fulfill their employment needs along with other vital support,” he added.

He remarked that Prof. Koul’s book serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience, endurance, and cultural strength of the Kashmiri Pandit community.

Referring to the current period as a phase of reconstruction, Lt Governor Sinha noted that Prof. Koul's work has conveyed to the world that the Kashmiri Pandit community is at the very core of Jammu and Kashmir’s civilizational and cultural narrative.

Attending the book release were Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu; Rajiv Jha, Publisher, Readers Press; Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies; Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, University of Jammu; along with noted literary figures, individuals from various professions, and students.

Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Dr. Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, and other senior officials were also present during the event.