Kashmiri Pandits Boycott Elections Over Genocide Recognition Demand

Several Kashmiri Pandit organizations have decided to abstain from the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, citing the persistent denial of their genocide. Leaders argued that participating would aid a system that disregards their demands for justice, recognition, and right of return to their homeland.

As the dates for the first Assembly polls since the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir approach, Kashmiri Pandit organizations have announced their boycott of the electoral process due to the unaddressed issue of their genocide.

The collective decision was taken at a meeting of Kashmiri Pandit leaders, emphasizing the ethical and political dilemma of participating in an electoral process that ignores their grievances. The elections are set for September 18, 25, and October 1.

The community leaders stressed that their prolonged exile and the government's failure to acknowledge their plight make participation untenable. Calling it a facade of democracy, they declared that abstaining from the elections is a statement for justice and truth.

(With inputs from agencies.)