ABSTRACT

Dawn of armed insurgency in Kashmir in 1989 brought about new political dynamics to forefront. The abrupt escalation of violent conflict created vicious cycles of action and counter-action between militants and security forces.  Marked by volatile situation, insecurity, hopelessness and escalating armed violence in early 90’s, the affluent minority Pandit community and a smaller section of Kashmiri Muslim community left the valley. Scholars have mostly used the term “exodus” for such migration which was believed to be temporary by many who left the valley. Kashmir crisis continued for decades and the return couldn’t be ascertained for many years. Based on survey of literature and limited personal interviews, this paper examines the nature of real event of exodus in Kashmir in 1990. The paper further tries to examine the current politico-social dynamics that are linked with return of migrants to their homeland and debates around it. The findings suggest that no proper conclusions can be drawn from existing literature on contested claims by the two communities. Further, the research tries to establish that even though there is enough communal harmony and support of separatist and J&K government, the migrant community’s mistrust and Kashmir’s recurrent political disturbance prevents their en-masse return.