Kashmiri Hindu groups in US renew justice call on Exodus Day

January 20, 2026

Washington: Kashmiri Hindu advocacy groups in the United States on Monday (Indian time) renewed their demand for justice, restitution and secure rehabilitation of the community, observing January 19 as Exodus Day.

Exodus Day marks displacement of Kashmiri Hindus
In a joint statement, the Kashmir Hindu Foundation (KHF) and Panun Kashmir described January 19 as a reminder of what they termed the systematic displacement of Kashmiri Hindus from the Valley. The groups said the date symbolises a “deliberate and sustained process of ethnic cleansing” that uprooted an indigenous community, resulting in the loss of homes, roots and civilisational identity.

Calls to recognise genocide and reject symbolic measures
The organisations rejected what they described as symbolic gestures, selective amnesia and tourism-driven narratives, calling them inadequate responses to the suffering of the displaced community. Sunanda Vashisht, writer, political commentator and Chairperson of the Jonaraja Institute of Genocide and Atrocities Studies, said the crimes should not be viewed as a one-time historical event. “Genocide is not an event; it is a process aimed at wiping out or severely weakening particular identity-based groups,” she said.

Demand for rehabilitation framework and property rights
Panun Kashmir Convener Dr Agnishekhar said the return and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Hindus was possible only through the adoption of the Margdarshan Resolution by the Government of India, arguing that alternative approaches failed to address political, security and civilisational concerns. Nitin Dhar of the Panun Kashmir Youth Wing rejected the narrative of “Kashmiriyat,” asserting that Kashmir historically followed “Kashmir Deshachar,” a distinct civilisational ethos that was later destroyed.

KHF founder Deepak Ganju demanded that all movable and immovable properties sold by displaced Kashmiri Pandits after 1989 be officially declared “distress sales” and declared null and void, with possession restored to rightful owners as per land records. KHF President Anit Monga also called for a blanket ban on the acquisition or encroachment of abandoned properties.

The groups said justice, restitution and secure rehabilitation were constitutional and moral imperatives, urging India, civil society and the international community to acknowledge the genocide and take decisive steps to ensure the dignified return of Kashmiri Hindus.