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Synopsis

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has initiated proceedings on a letter petition filed against the killing of Religious Minorities living in the Kashmir Valley.

A letter petition was written to the Chief Justice of J&K High Court stating that nearly twelve attacks happened on local Religious Minorities living in the Valley apart from those who came to Kashmir for their bread and butter.

The letter submitted by Kashmiri Pandits Sangharsh Samiti through its President Sanjay K Tickoo stated that "the Kashmiri Pandits/ Hindus want to leave Kashmir Valley but the Government is not allowing them to leave which can be gathered from the press/ news reports and social media statements."

A bench of Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Javed Iqbal Wani after hearing the matter ordered, "Mr Gowhar Jan, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner on being put certain questions, seeks time to look into the matter once again."

Accordingly, the Court has listed the matter on July 4.

The letter states that apart from targeted killings, several threat posters and letters have been issued by the terrorist organization operating in Kashmir Valley in which they have clearly warned that they will kill Religious Minorities specifically Kashmiri Pandits/ Hindus who are living in Kashmir Valley.

In view of the prevalent situation, the Samiti has sought the following directions: 

1) To accept their representation in the Public Interest as the lives of Religious Minorities are at stake due to unethical and callous approach of the UT / Central Administration, with a further request to intervene and take cognizance of the issue to protect the lives.

2) That all concerned officers/officials be summoned to explain which sort of policy and mechanism they have derived since June 8, 2020, i.e., when Shri. Ajay Pandita (Bharti) was killed in Anantnag District.

3) That the UT / Central Government be directed to move/ relocate Religious Minorities living in Kashmir Valley outside Kashmir Valley as the Religious Minorities in Kashmir Valley are under direct threat from the terrorists.

4) To investigate all the targeted killings which happened since June 8, 2020, and all the officers and officials whose involvement/ lapse is in the preliminary allegations be suspended without any further delay and an SIT be constituted to submit its report within stipulated time monitored by the Hon’ble High Court.

5) To investigate all the transfers before May 12, 2022, which were done on the behest of some blue-eyed persons which indicate that administration had a clear idea that the situation in Kashmir Valley was going to worsen

Case Title: Kashmiri Pandits Sangharsh Samiti vs. UT of J&K