Washington, Jan 20 (NationPress) Kashmiri Hindu advocacy organizations in the United States have once again emphasized their demand for justice, restoration, and secure rehabilitation of their community, commemorating January 19 as Exodus Day.

The Kashmir Hindu Foundation and Panun Kashmir issued a statement highlighting this date as a stark reminder of the systematic displacement endured by Kashmiri Hindus from the Valley.

According to the groups, January 19 represents a deliberate and sustained process of ethnic cleansing that displaced an indigenous population. They stated that Kashmiri Hindus lost not just their homes but also their roots and civilizational identity.

They criticized what they termed as symbolic gestures, selective amnesia, and tourism-driven narratives, asserting that these are insufficient responses.

Sunanda Vashisht, a writer and political commentator and Chairperson of the Jonaraja Institute of Genocide and Atrocities Studies, remarked that these crimes should not be viewed as a single historical event.

"Genocide is not merely an event; it is a process aimed at eradicating or significantly undermining specific identity-based groups perceived as threats to the offenders' identity or dominance," she stated.

Dr. Agnishekhar, Convener of Panun Kashmir, asserted that the return and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Hindus can only be achieved through the implementation of the Margdarshan Resolution by the Government of India.

He added that any other approach fails to address the political, security, and civilizational dimensions of the situation.

Nitin Dhar, representing the Panun Kashmir Youth Wing, dismissed the narrative of "Kashmiriyat," asserting that Kashmir traditionally adhered to a distinct civilizational and cultural ethos known as "Kashmir Deshachar," which has been destroyed over time.

He emphasized that fabricated narratives cannot alter historical truths.

Deepak Ganju, founder of the Kashmir Hindu Foundation, called for all movable and immovable properties sold by displaced Kashmiri Pandits since 1989 to be officially recognized as distress sales.

He insisted that these transactions should be declared null and void, and rightful ownership should be restored based on land records.

KHF President Anit Monga also demanded a comprehensive ban on the acquisition or encroachment of abandoned properties.

The groups articulated that justice, restitution, and secure rehabilitation are both constitutional and moral imperatives. They urged India, civil society, and the international community to acknowledge the genocide and take decisive steps to facilitate the dignified return of Kashmiri Hindus.