(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

Amarnath Vaishnavi (August 24, 1925 – July 1, 2012), revered today as the “Father of the Kashmiri Pandit Community,” remains one of the most respected and towering figures in Kashmir’s socio-political history. As his birth centenary year is being observed with tributes from various socio-cultural organizations—especially among the Kashmiri Pandits—it’s worth revisiting a lesser-known, yet very significant chapter of his political journey: his initial opposition, and eventual support, for the Homeland demand!

 When Panun Kashmir passed its historic Margdarshan Resolution in December 1991—demanding a Union Territory Homeland for displaced Hindus of Kashmir in the East and North of the Jhelum (Vitasta) River with full applicability of the Indian Constitution—Vaishnavi stood firmly against it. Despite his lifelong ideological proximity to the RSS-BJP camp, Vaishnavi believed that “the whole of Kashmir belongs to Kashmiri Pandits”, making any demand for a separate homeland “unjustified.”

This opposition was not casual. It was officially voiced during the “Saam-92” Conference, organized by the All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) on September 25-26, 1992, in Jammu—almost nine months after the Margdarshan Resolution. Vaishnavi, presiding over the conference alongside senior RSS leader Indresh Kumar, advocated for a “quasi-permanent rehabilitation” model instead—suggesting that Pandits be resettled in “geographically, climatically suitable and economically viable areas with minimum accommodation.” Former Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee who also attended Saam 92 on Day-2, had blamed Centre for the plight of Kashmiri Pandits.

 

So, what prompted this stand (Opposing Homeland)? Was it political caution? Was it ideological conditioning? Or perhaps a strategic difference of approach? The real reasons remain open to interpretation.

But what makes this story remarkable is what followed nearly two decades later—a visible and heartfelt change of stance!.

On December 27, 2009, the same Amarnath Vaishnavi shared the dais with Panun Kashmir leader Dr Agnishekhar during a grand felicitation event for Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The occasion? The Madhya Pradesh Assembly had, just a few months earlier (on July 24, 2009), passed a resolution endorsing the Homeland demand for Kashmiri Pandits. Vaishnavi didn’t just attend the event—he stood at the forefront, publicly felicitating Chouhan and lending moral legitimacy to the very cause he had once opposed.

Was it wisdom of age? Or a realization shaped by years of continued Pandit suffering and displacement? Whatever the reasons, his humility and readiness to reassess his position only enhanced his stature in the community.

Today, as his centenary rekindles memories, this transition—from initial resistance to endorsement of the Homeland demand—remains a telling reflection of Vaishnavi’s deep commitment to his community, even if it meant changing a long-held position.

His life and struggles are documented in ‘The Chronicles of Kashmir’, but this particular aspect—the evolution of his stand on Homeland—remains one of the most poignant and untold truths that Kashmir Rechords feels proud to share with documentary proof and archival material.