Impartial investigation of long-pending cases a welcome step towards justice for the Kashmiri Pandit community: Rajni Sethi

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir BJP spokesperson Rajni Sethi today stated that the displacement of the Kashmiri Pandit community remains one of the most painful chapters in India’s history. She said that thousands of innocent families were forced to leave their ancestral homes during the peak of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir due to fear, violence, and insecurity. Decades later, the trauma of that period continues to affect lakhs of displaced families who are still seeking justice and closure.

Rajni Sethi observed that during the early years of terrorism, many innocent Kashmiri Pandits were deliberately targeted. Several individuals were falsely branded as “government informers” or “police informers” and subsequently killed. According to her, the objective was not only to eliminate specific individuals but also to create an atmosphere of terror that compelled the entire community to abandon its homeland. She noted that many families continue to live with the pain of losing their loved ones and are still waiting for justice.

Referring to the case of Sarla Bhat, Sethi said it remains one of the most significant and painful incidents for the Kashmiri Pandit community. The recent action by investigative agencies in the nearly 36-year-old case has revived hope among victim families that justice can still be achieved. She appreciated the efforts of the State Investigation Agency and expressed confidence that the judicial process would help uncover the truth and provide long-awaited relief to the victim’s family.

She emphasized that the Sarla Bhat case is not merely the story of one family but a symbol of the suffering endured by countless families during the years of terrorism. Sethi said that many incidents from that period either did not receive adequate investigation or gradually faded from public attention. Therefore, she stressed the need for impartial, transparent, and fact-based investigations into all such cases to ensure justice for affected families and to establish an accurate historical record.

Rajni Sethi made a special appeal to members of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community. She urged families whose relatives were victims of murder, abduction, persecution, or other serious crimes during the terrorism period to come forward and share available facts, documents, and evidence with the concerned investigating agencies. Every piece of information, she said, can contribute to strengthening the process of justice.

She also appreciated the challenging work undertaken by investigative agencies in reopening decades-old cases. Such investigations require dedication and perseverance but remain essential for ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law. Sethi expressed hope that wherever credible evidence exists, those responsible for crimes committed during the period of terrorism would be brought before the courts.

Concluding, Rajni Sethi said that Jammu and Kashmir has entered a new era where democratic institutions are stronger and victims have greater opportunities to seek justice. She expressed confidence that the truth behind many unresolved cases will emerge in the coming years. While justice may have been delayed, every effort to uncover the truth reflects the nation’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and the dignity of victims. She assured all families affected by terrorism that their suffering has not been forgotten and that the pursuit of justice continues.