Srinagar, Jun 19: A Kashmiri Pandit family that fled the Valley during the peak of militancy in 1990 has returned to its ancestral home in Handwara town of north Kashmir, opening a restaurant here in what is being seen as a symbolic homecoming after 36 years of exile.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener Chandra Dhar, the owner of the eatery ‘Taste and Treats’, said the decision to return was driven by a deep emotional connect with her hometown and the support of the local Muslim community.
“My in-laws are from Langate, but I belong to Handwara. I never preferred to be away from my people—the ones I grew up with and spent the most beautiful times of my life with,” Dhar told Kashmir Convener.
Speaking at the inauguration, she said the overwhelming support from the local community had been instrumental in realising her dream. “It feels like I’ve got my childhood memories back, seeing people come to my restaurant,” she said.
Dismissing concerns over security, Dhar said she had never felt unsafe in Kashmir. “I never feel insecure in Kashmir. I used to come here regularly, and my Muslim community always treated me like their own daughter. They always stood by me, respected me, and made me feel secure,” she said.
She said the return was also necessitated by personal reasons. “I have two sons, both of whom are disabled. The doctor advised against them staying away in extreme heat, so I used to come back to my hometown. Here, I never feel alone. The love and support from my Muslim community makes me feel that I belong right here,” she added.
Her son, Aakash Dhar, said the restaurant was a symbol of resilience and unity. “I never felt that I had been away from home. Coming here never felt like I had spent a single day without my locals, without my people,” he said, adding that locals had been “very helpful” in setting up the venture.
The restaurant will serve fast food, fresh juices and shakes, with an emphasis on quality, he added.
The family’s return comes amid renewed focus on the rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits.
Earlier this month, seven community organisations adopted the ‘Praagaash Resolution’ at a conclave in Srinagar, outlining a roadmap for justice, cultural preservation and the dignified return of the community to Kashmir.
The June 6-14 conclave, organised by the Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora and other bodies, was described as one of the most significant homeland engagement efforts since 1990.
Notably, Nasir Aslam Wani, advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, earlier this month called for the revival of the apex committee on Kashmiri Pandit rehabilitation, which was constituted in 2009 and disbanded in 2014.
“This conclave is fine, but beyond it, we have to sit together and talk… At the government level, I think there is a need to restore the apex committee,” Wani had said.
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