Kashmiri Pandits scared to return to the Valley

Jammu: Worried about being targeted in the violence, countless Kashmiri Pandits fled their homes in the Valley in the 90s. Now as the government attempts to woo some of them back with offers of jobs, many are still wary of stepping out of their safety net and returning to a region marred by violence.

Sanjay and Renu fled their homes back in 1990. Since then for these Kashmiri Pandits the Mishriwala Migrant Camp in Jammu is home. Recently, in an initiative to restore them to their roots the government offered 3,000 jobs in the Valley.

This was their first tangible chance to go home.

Both Renu and Sanjay have been selected as teachers in government schools.

However, the mood of violence there brings back the scars of the past, holding them back

 "The situation in the Valley is such, we don't feel safe to go," said Sanjay Bhan.'

Renu echoed the similar sentiment  when she said, "We should be posted in migrant zones of the state until the situation improves in the Valley".

Sanjay Ganjoo was forced to leave his home in Anantnag in 1990.

Now that he has got a job there, unlike Renu and Sanjay, he does not want to let the opportunity slip by.

''I am ready to go, despite the present situation. I have no worries. I am sure the situation will improve," said Sanjay Ganjoo, but his is a rare voice.

Jobs for Kashmiri Pandits provided a glimmer of hope for their return but Kashmir's unrest has put everything on the hold. For the Kashmiri Pandits, living in these migrant camps; safety rather than jobs is still the topmost priority.