The forced displacement of Kashmiri Pandits (also called KPs) in the 1990s remains one of the most significant socio-political crises in the Kashmir Valley. This paper explores the complex historical, socio-political, and economic factors that led to the mass migration of KPs during the insurgency period. The study employs a combination of historical, descriptive, and analytical methods, utilizing secondary sources such as articles, books, and government reports, supplemented with primary voices including various Right to Information (RTI) applications filed with various government departments. The paper situates Kashmiri Pandit displacement within the broader context of the Kashmir conflict, highlighting the interplay of historical grievances, political dynamics, and security concerns. It discusses the impact of discriminatory policies, such as land reforms and the controversial recommendations of the Delimitation Commission, on the KP community. The narratives surrounding KP migration are examined, acknowledging both the immediate violence of the 1989–1990 insurgency and the longer-term socio-political alienation faced by the community. Key government initiatives, including the Prime Minister’s Packages for the Return and Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Migrants (2008, 2015), are analyzed in the context of the current socio-political environment following the abrogation of Article 370. The study underscores the necessity of a multifaceted approach to facilitate the safe and sustainable return of KPs.
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Bilal Ahmad Mir (2025) studied this question.