In a recent statement, Jahanzaib Sirwal, a dissatisfied BJP member, criticized his party for exploiting displaced Kashmiri Pandits for political motives. He urged the party leadership to take concrete actions to address the historical injustices faced by the community. Sirwal, who switched from the Congress party to the BJP last year, emphasized that the Kashmiri Pandits have been staunch supporters of the BJP but have not received due recognition or support.
Sirwal highlighted that the suffering of the Kashmiri Pandit community has been repeatedly used for political gains, with over 500 mentions in Parliament by BJP leaders. He called for meaningful steps to be taken, rather than mere symbolic gestures or rhetoric, to ensure justice for the community.
Earlier, on October 3, Sirwal had threatened to resign from the BJP due to objections against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s remarks towards Muslims and the treatment of the minority community by the state police. He stressed the importance of policies that facilitate the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland, secure their rights, and provide them with necessary support and opportunities.
Sirwal urged senior party members to visit the camps of the Kashmiri Pandits, engage with community representatives, and develop a comprehensive plan for their dignified rehabilitation. He expressed disappointment that top BJP leaders, including the Prime Minister and Home Minister, have not visited the camps to witness the dire conditions faced by the community.
Describing the situation in the camps as a humanitarian crisis, Sirwal emphasized that the lack of adequate housing, healthcare, and economic prospects reflects a failure to address the long-standing plight of the Kashmiri Pandits. He criticized the absence of meaningful dialogue with the community and called for genuine action rather than political rhetoric.
Sirwal underscored the need for sincere efforts to facilitate the safe return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that neglecting their plight contradicts the principles of justice and inclusivity that the BJP claims to uphold. He urged the party to prioritize the legitimate concerns of the Kashmiri Pandits and deliver justice and dignity to a community that has suffered silently for decades.