A late-night fire incident, in which at least four houses belonging to Kashmiri Pandits were gutted under mysterious circumstances in the Mattan area of Anantnag district on Sunday, has once again sparked a debate and raised serious security concerns among the Kashmir Pandit community living in exile since 1990.
The houses stood tall and witnessed over three-decade-long struggle before they were gutted under mysterious circumstances late last night.
“We received this news early in the morning. The fire incident took place around 2.30 am. We demand a high-level probe into the fire,” a close relative of the family living in Jammu told reporters.
The multi-floor building was considered heritage site in the area. Most visitors reaching Mattan to fulfil their religious obligations used to pay a visit to the area and soak themselves in the glorious history of their forefathers who had constructed these architecturally rich structures.
A prominent Kashmiri Pandit activist Ravinder Padita, associated with the Save Sharda in a post on X commented, “Is it sabotage or natural causes? One needs to know”.
Another Kashmiri Pandit sharing his angst posted a message on X, “A Kashmiri pandit house gutted in Mattan, Anantnag, Kashmir last night. The genocide continues for 34 years”.
Chetan Wanchoo, a political worker associated with the BJP said, “ I strongly resent the fire incident at Mattan, Anantnag, where more than 4 houses of Kashmiri Pandits were gutted. This incident raises serious concerns. Urgently request LG Manoj Sinha for a high-level enquiry to uncover why these houses were targeted. The main concern is clear: why are Kashmiri Pandit homes and Hindu shrines repeatedly targeted? This is the high time to take decisive action against the miscreants”.
Meanwhile, Chief Spokesman of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Tanvir Sadiq in a post on X commented, “Very sorry to hear that. These are such aesthetic constructions, and architecture like that is slowly disappearing. It’s a significant loss. I request the police to investigate the reasons behind this fire incident”.
Umesh Talashi, also associated with the National Conference said, Heartbroken as four KP houses, including mine, were gutted in a fire in Mattan. Urging Deputy Commissioner Anantnag and Jammu Kashmir Police to take swift action and ensure justice.