EP-222 | "They Wanted to Kill Me..." Kashmiri Pandit Shares Ordeal | Ajay Chrungoo

Ajay Chrungoo is a prominent Kashmiri Pandit and the Chairman of Panun Kashmir, an organization advocating for the rights and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits. He is known for speaking about the challenges faced by the Pandit community in the 1990s due to the insurgency in the Valley.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ajay Chrungoo discusses the demand for a separate homeland, 'Panun Kashmir,' for Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu & Kashmir. He asserts that what happened in 1989-90 was a genocide against Kashmiri Pandits, not just a wave of migration.

He shares his personal story of being attacked by terrorists and fleeing the valley, leaving everything behind. Chrungoo also explains why many Pandits are calling for a boycott of the 2024 J&K Assembly Polls. He holds the BJP, Congress, and National Conference responsible for the attacks against Pandits, accusing them of playing a key role during that time.

(Thumbnail Picture Courtesy: Reuters)

00:00 - Introduction

00:57 - Kashmir: Then vs. Now

03:42 - What is Panun Kashmir

10:54 - Separate Territory for Pandits Demand

12:42 - What Kashmiri Pandits Want

15:25 - Politics Over Pandits

19:29 - Election 'Boycott' Call

26:00 - Pandits and Political Party

29:51 - Exodus Horror of 1989-1990

35:06 - Pandits Returning After Article 370

37:38 - Land for Panun Kashmir

39:05 - Who Can Help Kashmiri Pandits

43:12 - NC's Role in Pandits' Exodus

49:44 - How Many Pandits Were Killed in 90s

54:54 - Why Pandits Choose NOTA in Voting