'Not allowed to leave', Kashmiri Pandits protest, threaten mass agitation

Sheikhpora, Budgam: Kashmiri Pandits working in the Valley under the Prime Minister's employment package staged a protest on Monday inside their secured accommodation in Sheikhpora area of Budgam alleging that the central government and J&K administration have failed to address their demand for relocation from Kashmir, in the wake of the targeted killings.

They threatened a mass agitation from Kashmir to Kanyakumari if their demands were not met immediately and stated that the administration has made them scapegoats to portray normalcy in the Valley.

The All Minority Employees Association in Kashmir -- an organisation of minority community members working in Kashmir -- staged a protest in Sheikhpora area inside their secured accommodation and the police and paramilitary forces deployed for their security did not allow them to come out of their transit accommodation.

This year, at least 20 people were killed in targeted attacks across Kashmir which included 13 Kashmiri Muslims and six minority community members, including a Kashmiri Pandit.

A protester said they have to change their routine and route for buying groceries every morning because of the fear of getting attacked.

"They don't allow us to travel outside the Valley. We are being stopped and have to fight every day.," said another protestor.