Ajay Chrungoo is a prominent Kashmiri Pandit and the Chairman of Panun Kashmir, an organization advocating for the rights and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits. He is known for speaking about the challenges faced by the Pandit community in the 1990s due to the insurgency in the Valley.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ajay Chrungoo discusses the demand for a separate homeland, 'Panun Kashmir,' for Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu & Kashmir. He asserts that what happened in 1989-90 was a genocide against Kashmiri Pandits, not just a wave of migration.

He shares his personal story of being attacked by terrorists and fleeing the valley, leaving everything behind. Chrungoo also explains why many Pandits are calling for a boycott of the 2024 J&K Assembly Polls. He holds the BJP, Congress, and National Conference responsible for the attacks against Pandits, accusing them of playing a key role during that time.

(Thumbnail Picture Courtesy: Reuters)

00:00 - Introduction

00:57 - Kashmir: Then vs. Now

03:42 - What is Panun Kashmir

10:54 - Separate Territory for Pandits Demand

12:42 - What Kashmiri Pandits Want

15:25 - Politics Over Pandits

19:29 - Election 'Boycott' Call

26:00 - Pandits and Political Party

29:51 - Exodus Horror of 1989-1990

35:06 - Pandits Returning After Article 370

37:38 - Land for Panun Kashmir

39:05 - Who Can Help Kashmiri Pandits

43:12 - NC's Role in Pandits' Exodus

49:44 - How Many Pandits Were Killed in 90s

54:54 - Why Pandits Choose NOTA in Voting

Tarun Chugh is a senior BJP leader, currently serving as the party's National General Secretary and in charge of Jammu & Kashmir. He has been strengthening the party's presence in Jammu and Kashmir for the past 30 years. His role in overseeing the BJP's activities in the region has made him an important figure in J&K's political landscape.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Tarun Chugh expresses confidence that the BJP will form the government in Jammu & Kashmir without any support from regional parties like the NC or PDP. He sees the rise of independent candidates as a sign of changing times in the region and suggests that the end of militancy has been a turning point in the valley’s journey towards stability and growth.

Chugh also highlights how Prime Minister Modi’s development agenda has reshaped J&K after the abrogation of Article 370. He also talks about the party's commitment to Agniveers and assures that statehood will be restored, as promised by both PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

The discussion also covers the challenges faced by Kashmiri Pandits, the return of peace and democracy to the region, and the BJP’s position on important issues like the Darbar Move and the controversial 1987 election rigging.

Mir Junaid is a Kashmiri politician and social activist widely recognized for his strong support of the abrogation of Article 370 and his advocacy for peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir. As the president of the Jammu and Kashmir Workers Party, Mir Junaid has actively engaged in grassroots politics, with a focus on enhancing stability and fostering economic growth in the region. He is often seen as a strong supporter of India's sovereignty and integration of Jammu and Kashmir, and he has been instrumental in raising awareness about the challenges faced by the people in the valley. He is set to contest the upcoming J&K Assembly elections from the Langate constituency in Kupwara district.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Mir Junaid opens up about his decision to support the abrogation of Article 370 and aims the National Conference and People's Democratic Party, the two dominant political forces in Jammu and Kashmir. He accuses them of fueling violence in the region, claiming they exploited the emotions of the Kashmiri people for political gains. He also charges them with colluding with militants, often calling off military operations to protect insurgents, and blames them for the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits during the 1990s. Junaid emphasizes that his party, the Jammu and Kashmir Workers Party, is committed to fighting for the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.

Junaid also highlights the BJP's recent move to grant reservations to the region's ethnic minorities, fulfilling a longstanding demand. He also adds that this decision prompted his wife, Dr. Shehnaz Ganai's decision to join the BJP. He also recalls the incident when he was attacked by Pakistani nationals at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Firmly opposed to any dialogue with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, Junaid argues that a country responsible for decades of bloodshed in the valley should not be welcomed to the negotiating table.

00:00 - Introduction

01:02 - Supporting Abrogation of Article 370

05:25 - Exposing PDP & NC

09:44 - Rahul Gandhi's J&K Campaign

11:36 - NC-PDP Supported Militants?

13:30 - Kashmiri Pandits' Exodus

16:40 - Promise of 'Naya' Kashmir

17:59 - Politics of the Abdullahs

20:23 - BJP's Entry in J&K

22:47 - Fight for Statehood

24:23 - Who Will Form Govt. in J&K?

32:31 - Rise of Engineer Rashid

34:58 - ISI's Attack on Mir Junaid in USA

36:23 - Kashmir's Youth Voters

39:12 - Ethnic Minorities in J&K

43:32 - BJP Supporting Independent Candidates?

45:47 - Mir Junaid's Vision for Kashmir

48:12 - Election Promises

55:19 - Dr. Shehnaz Ganai's Move to Join BJP

57:27 - Should India Hold Dialogue with Pakistan?

59:07 - Security Situation in J&K