(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)
It was March 1971 Parliamentary elections for the Fifth Lok Sabha when Kashmiri Pandits were finding themselves at the crossroads……..Their indecisiveness had pushed them in a struggle between “reactionary and communal forces’’ on one hand and “Progressive and Democratic Elements’’ on the other hand.
This awkward situation had prompted a leading newspaper of the State (Daily Excelsior) to issue an appeal to the entire community of Kashmiri Pandits, through its editorial dated February 28, 1971.
While hailing Kashmiri Pandits for their legacy and always having played a unique role in shaping the future of the Nation, the Editorial had hoped that “ a farsighted community’’ will choose a correct path and lend the weight on the side which is expected to strengthen Country’s freedom and impart her stability’’
Pandits of Srinagar Constituency
The newspaper had specifically mentioned about Srinagar Constituency where the “wisdom of the Pandits was on the test’’. The Editor had expressed his optimism that the members of this community would not be swayed by the cheap slogans’’.
The Editorial concluded with some of these lines… “ Though it looks impertinent to give a word of advice to the members of this versatile community, yet we feel it our duty to remind them of their responsibility…… We trust the Pandits would visualise the future of the country in proper perspective and act wisely after mature and careful consideration’’.
