Kashmiri Pandits protest relief rations integration into NFSA
Members of the Displaced Kashmiri Pandit community are up in arms against the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s move to integrate their relief rations into the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
On Wednesday, a large number of aggrieved Kashmiri pandits, led by their community leaders, staged a protest outside the office of the Relief and Rehabilitation commissioner (Migrants) and demanded its immediate rollback to protect their distinct identity.
Terming the move a “conspiracy” to dilute their migrant and genocide victim status, the protesters vowed to intensify agitation if the decision is not rolled back.
“It is a black law and a trap for the community to dilute their identity as genocide survivors. The discrepancies in this law amount to outright injustice. For 36 years, Kashmiri Pandits have suffered after their displacement, and now under NFSA, our identity is being diluted,” said Panun Kashmir convener Dr Agnishaker.
“We urge the authorities to reconsider the decision pragmatically and address the community’s genuine concerns. In its present form, this is anti-community,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the upcoming census, demanding recognition of their distinct identity as internally displaced persons and victims of genocide.
“If our identity is not included, it will amount to erasing Kashmiri Pandits forever,” Agnishaker said.
The Union Territory administration is integrating migrant ration cards, including those of Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) in Jammu, into the NFSA database. This process began in early 2026.
As of April 2026, officials said over 17,500 migrant ration cards have been integrated, with more than 50,000 families ultimately set to be included to enable access to wider social welfare schemes.
The protesters, including residents of Jagti, Purkhoo, Nagrota and Muthi migrant camps, assembled on the road outside the Relief Commissioner’s office and raised slogans against the implementation of the NFSA.
As they tried to move towards the office, a heavy police contingent stopped them, leading to brief scuffles and pushing between the two sides, said officials.
Community leaders described NFSA as a “black law” and a “trap” for Kashmiri Pandits, alleging that its implementation would dilute their distinct identity as displaced persons and affect their rehabilitation rights.
Anil Kaul alleged that their fundamental right to peaceful protest was being curtailed. He demanded early restoration of their rights and continuation of the existing relief system.
