Jammu, February 19, 2026: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday released Prof. Ashok Kaul’s book “Kashmir–Nativity Regained”, describing it as a powerful chronicle of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus and a courageous attempt to confront painful truths that shaped Jammu and Kashmir’s history.
The book delves into the events of 1989–90, portraying the terror, trauma and deep scars left by the forced displacement of the Kashmiri Pandit community from their ancestral homeland.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated that the safe and dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits remains a firm commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that since 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a profound transformation, with decisive steps taken to dismantle forces that once sought to derail the Union Territory’s peace and progress.
“Through sustained efforts, the region’s ancient glory is being restored and development has gained unprecedented momentum. Soon, this land will be completely freed from the scourge of terrorism,” he said.
Praising the author, the Lieutenant Governor remarked that Prof. Kaul’s work is not merely a literary contribution but a meaningful effort to break decades of silence surrounding the suffering of displaced families. He paid tribute to the resilience of the Kashmiri Pandit community, observing that despite immense adversity, they preserved their culture, language, spirituality and traditions while achieving remarkable success across various fields.
Highlighting government initiatives, he recalled the launch of the Kashmiri Migrant Web Portal in 2021 aimed at facilitating the retrieval of properties belonging to displaced families that had been encroached upon.
Reflecting on the tragedy of displacement, the Lieutenant Governor said becoming a stranger in one’s own homeland is among the gravest sorrows imaginable. He described the pain of the 1989–90 killings and the overnight abandonment of homes as wounds that time has yet to heal, with memories continuing to haunt affected families.
He asserted that attempts by the terror ecosystem to suppress the truth would never succeed, adding that terrorists and their support networks who inflicted suffering on generations would neither be forgotten nor forgiven. He also noted that Pakistan-backed terrorism claimed the lives of thousands of innocent Kashmiri Muslims, underlining the shared tragedy endured by the people of the region.
Referring to the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the Lieutenant Governor said the decision by the Prime Minister instilled renewed confidence among the younger generation that they could reclaim their roots without fear.
Describing the present as an era of reconstruction, he said the book stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Kashmiri Pandit community and reinforces their integral place in Jammu and Kashmir’s historical and cultural narrative.
Among those present at the release function were Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; Shri Rajiv Jha, Publisher, Readers Press; Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies; Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, Jammu University; prominent literary figures, students and members of civil society.
Senior officials including Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shri Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Dr. Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, and others also attended the event.
