Himachal Governor Issues Warning Amid Threats to Kashmiri Pandits Linked to Pakistani Collusion

Kavinder Gupta, the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, has remarked that recent threats directed towards Kashmiri Pandit employees stem from what he describes as the collusion of Pakistan’s government, military, and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He cautioned that any actions aimed at undermining peace in Jammu and Kashmir will be met with a “befitting, crushing response.”

These comments followed a call from the All PM Package Employees Forum Kashmir, which requested increased security for Kashmiri Pandit employees working in the Valley under the Prime Minister’s Package. The forum expressed concerns over new threats circulating on social media.

Governor Gupta highlighted that since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, there has been a significant decline in separatist activities, including slogans promoting terrorism and stone-pelting incidents. However, he alleged that certain elements are attempting to provoke unrest again in the region. “It is essential to recognise that behind these incidents, there is a collaboration involving Pakistan’s ISI, the government, and military,” he stated.

He further remarked, “Since the removal of Article 370, calls for separatism and terrorism have been silenced. Some individuals appear dissatisfied with this change.” Gupta elaborated that there are ongoing attempts to create tensions similar to those previously witnessed in Kashmir, indicating a resurgence of self-serving political agendas.

“Our security agencies and forces are not weak. Any brazen attempts to disrupt peace will face a decisive response,” he asserted.

On August 24, the All PM Package Employees Forum Kashmir issued a letter raising alarm over a purported threat poster attributed to an organisation named the United Liberation Council (ULC), dated August 23. The group noted that the authenticity of this poster remains unverified by law enforcement bodies.

According to the forum, the alleged poster includes threats directed at migrant Kashmiri Pandit employees, detailing sensitive personal information such as names, addresses, and vehicle registration numbers of specific individuals. One Kashmiri Pandit employee conveyed to ANI that they refuse to be intimidated by the threats. “We will not be frightened or flee. Kashmir is our home. It is where we belong,” the employee stated.

The individual added, “A threatening letter was also issued in the first week of August. Now, we have another threat that contains addresses, vehicle numbers, and phone numbers. I urge authorities to trace the origin of these letters and determine who is supplying this information.”

Congress leader Pawan Khera also condemned the government regarding the most recent threats, asserting that this situation raises serious questions about the Centre’s policy in Kashmir. “We have seen a threat letter aimed at the Kashmiri Pandits. We expected that displaced Kashmiri Pandits would be able to return, but this incident raises significant doubts about the government’s approach,” Khera told ANI.

In light of these developments, the forum has demanded heightened security measures for Kashmiri Pandit employees under the PM Package, a comprehensive verification of the alleged threat poster, and an assessment of security protocols at their workplaces, living quarters, and transit routes.

In a separate matter, Gupta also commented on the recent flash floods in Nepal, describing the situation as a “deeply tragic incident.” He emphasised the importance of international cooperation to aid those affected by the disaster. “This is a deeply tragic incident. It is vital to understand how this occurred, and the global community must unite to support the victims,” he stated.

While efforts are underway to provide assistance, reports indicate that the death toll from the Bhotekoshi flood disaster has reached 626, with 2,426 individuals still unaccounted for, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). The latest updates reveal that the highest number of recovered bodies, 233, was in Chitwan.

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