Kashmiri Pandits seek quota in jobs, land for colony

More than 5,000 Kashmiri Pandits, who made Lucknow their home after being driven out of the valley following the onset of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir in 1989, want allocation of land at subsidised rates where they can live as a community to preserve their culture and accommodate their brethren who continue to migrate to Lucknow.
Kashmiri Pandit Association leader and city resident Deepak Kachru said, “It’s only during the elections, when our voice is heard by political parties.”
The Kashmiri Pandits also demand quota in state government jobs and increase in reservation in higher education to help the migrants support themselves.
“The government can allot us land in an area on subsidised rates where community members can buy plots. It will help us in preserving our culture,” said Kachru.
“We also want government holiday on January 19 to mark the Exodus Day, the day Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave their homeland,” he added. “Delhi University gives 5% reservation to Kashmiri Pandits in higher education, while in UP it is only 2%, which needs to be increased,” said Namita Kaul, a teacher.