(By: KR Ishan)

With the passing of veteran Kashmiri Pandit leader H.N. Jattu on September 3, 2024, an era quietly came to an end. A leader who straddled the pre- and post-migration worlds of Kashmiri Pandits, Jattu was no stranger to controversy. Throughout his life, he faced opposition both within his own community and from external forces, but he remained steadfast in his convictions.

Standing Tall Amid Crisis

As the president of the All India Kashmiri Pandit Conference (AIKPC), Jattu’s leadership was marked by bold and often dangerous decisions. On November 6, 1989, he held a press conference in Srinagar, raising alarms about the growing threats to Kashmiri Pandits. The Valley was already a tinderbox, and his warnings, though prescient, went largely unheard. Soon after, like many others, Jattu was forced to leave Kashmir, a departure fraught with internal criticism. Some accused him of stoking tensions, while others alleged that he had played into the hands of those exploiting Kashmir’s unrest.

One particularly damaging episode occurred in 1990 when a letter, allegedly signed by Kashmiri Pandit leaders, was published in Kashmir’s Urdu newspaper Alsafah, falsely blaming Jattu for actions he had not taken. This calculated move created confusion and dented his public image. Today, the controversial letter circulates on the internet, exploited by those who deny the plight and genocide of Kashmiri Pandits. Despite the backlash, Jattu remained undeterred in his advocacy for his people.

Calling for a Second Migration

Barely a year after the mass exodus of 1990, Jattu made another bold move. In 1991, citing growing hostility towards displaced Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu and the government’s inaction, he called on his community to prepare for yet another migration. He pointed to anti-Kashmiri Pandit rhetoric from certain political and regional factions, which had instilled fear among the already displaced. While Jattu’s concerns were not unfounded, this statement further fractured the ranks of the AIKPC.

The internal discord within the AIKPC reached its peak when J.N. Saproo, a former ally, ousted Jattu from the presidency on September 26, 1991. Saproo and the AIKPC’s general secretary, P.K. Kaul (Badgami), accused him of mishandling critical events, including the Somyar incident and the overall crisis of migration. Though this internal power struggle tarnished Jattu’s image, he refused to give up.

Rebuilding in Exile

After his political defeat within the AIKPC, Jattu shifted his focus to Delhi, where he continued to work for the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community. He led efforts to help families rebuild their lives, providing assistance in setting up businesses and securing livelihoods. His leadership in exile gave many families a renewed sense of purpose and identity during a time of great uncertainty.

In his later years, Jattu returned to Jammu, hoping to reconnect with the community he had once led. However, the landscape had changed. New organizations had emerged, each with its own agenda, leaving little space for Jattu’s return to prominence. Despite his desire to re-establish himself, the combination of his advancing age and the shifting political dynamics made it impossible for him to regain his former stature. Nevertheless, Jattu accepted this new reality with grace, remaining a respected elder in the community.

A Legacy of Defiance

Throughout his life, Jattu remained a polarizing figure. His strong stance on the 1990 exodus and his unrelenting criticism of political manipulations made him a target for many, both within and outside the Kashmiri Pandit community. Yet, he remained unwavering in his commitment to justice and the survival of his people.

H.N. Jattu’s legacy is one of resilience and defiance. Though his leadership was not without its controversies, he stood tall in the face of adversity. As the community bids farewell to this veteran leader, his contributions to the Kashmiri Pandit cause will be remembered as part of a long, difficult struggle for justice and survival in exile. In both life and death, Jattu embodied the spirit of a people who refused to be forgotten.