JAMMU JAN 19 : In a late-night protest, members of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community blocked the National Highway at Jagti township, bringing vehicular movement to a complete halt and triggering massive traffic jams that lasted for hours. The agitation, which continued well into the night, reflected deep-seated anger over what protesters described as 36 years of neglect and unfulfilled promises.
Soon after the highway was blocked, senior police officials and security personnel rushed to the spot and attempted to persuade the protesters to clear the road, citing inconvenience to the public and disruption to emergency services. However, the demonstrators remained resolute, refusing to withdraw until their core demands were addressed.
The protesters demanded that the Union Home Minister personally visit Jagti township to listen to their grievances. Their key demands included dignified rehabilitation, the establishment of a Kashmiri Pandit homeland, and a clear, time-bound policy to ensure their safe and permanent return to the Valley. Protesters said repeated assurances by successive governments had failed to translate into concrete action, leaving the community feeling abandoned.
Raising slogans, the demonstrators accused authorities of ignoring their suffering for over three decades. “We have been waiting for justice for 36 years. We are tired of false promises,” several protesters said, expressing frustration and emotional distress.
The blockade resulted in long queues of stranded vehicles on both sides of the highway, causing severe inconvenience to commuters and travelers. Till the last reports, the National Highway remained blocked, with discussions between the administration and protesters continuing but no immediate breakthrough achieved.
The protest underscores the growing anger within the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community, which has repeatedly warned that continued neglect could lead to intensified agitation in the days ahead.
