Kashmiri Pandit houses in Mattan, Anantnag gutted under mysterious circumstances

The fire incident has already raised serious security concerns among the exiled Kashmiri pandit community

July 29, 2024

Kashmiri Pandit houses gutted: Sabotage not ruled out, high-level probe demanded

Multi-floor heritage houses, belonging to the exiled Kashmiri pandit community, located in the Razdan mohalla of Mattan in Anantnag have become the latest victim of hate.

According to ground reports, at least four houses were gutted in the mysterious fire late Sunday night around 2.30 a.m. At this stage, the possibility of someone playing mischief cannot be ruled out.

In the past several houses were torched and the Kashmiri families were discouraged from returning to their homes and hearths in the valley.

The original owners have been staying back in Jammu for over three decades. No one was present inside these homes at the time of the fire incident.

Razdan Mohalla is inhabited by members belonging to the majority community. A few Kashmiri pandit houses are also located in the same locality. They have been provided with security cover as well. Ironically, these houses stood tall at a safe distance and were not provided any security cover.

A large number of Kashmiri families who used to visit Mattan to attend any religious event used to pay a visit to this place to reconnect with their past as these houses were preserved as part of their rich cultural heritage.

The fire incident has already raised serious security concerns among the exiled Kashmiri pandit community.

The family members have also demanded a high-level probe to ascertain the truth behind the fire incident.

“We demand a high-level probe into the fire incident, ” a family member told reporters in Jammu on Monday.

A prominent Kashmiri pandit activist Ravinder Pandita, associated with the Save Sharda Committee in a post on X commented, “Is it sabotage or natural causes? One needs to know”. The committee has constructed a temple in the Teetwal village of Kupwara housing the idol of Sharda Mata.

Pandita further elaborated in a separate post. “Seems to be a sabotage. No one lived there. Hence, there is no question of a short circuit or any other natural cause. 3 to 4 migrant houses and one kothar ( a storeroom) got gutted in a massive fire in Mattan near the sports stadium. Houses gutted in the fire belong to Anand ji Razdan, Shadi Lal Razdan, and Sham Lal Patwari. Razing symbols of aborigines. So sad.

Seems to be a sabotage.
No one lived there. Hence no question of short circuit or any other natural cause. 3 to 4 migrant houses and one kothar got gutted in a massive fire in mattan near sports stadium.
Houses gutted in fire belongs to sh Anand ji Razdan, Shadi Lal Razdan and… pic.twitter.com/5o0Pdi5qJT
— Ravinder Pandita(Save Sharda) (@panditaAPMCC63) July 29, 2024

Another Kashmiri pandit posted a message on X saying, ” A Kashmiri pandit house gutted in Mattan, Anantnag, Kashmir last night. The genocide continues for 34 years”.

Chetan Wanchoo, a political worker associated with the BJP said, ” I strongly resent the fire incident at Mattan, Anantnag, where more than 4 houses of Kashmiri Pandits were gutted. This incident raises serious concerns. Urgently request LG Manoj Sinha for a high-level enquiry to uncover why these houses were targeted. The main concern is clear: why are Kashmiri Pandit homes and Hindu shrines repeatedly targeted? This is the high time to take decisive action against the miscreants”.

Abandoned houses of #KashmiriPandits gutted in fire in #martand area of south #Kashmir . This house was famously known as Razdan house which was more of a palace like & a heritage house of the area.
किन हालातो से गुज़रे हैं हम
हमारी जगह होते तो खुदकुशी कर लेते ।।
#2024 https://t.co/bbOXr4xDts
— Battkot 🇮🇳 (@Batt_Kot) July 29, 2024

Umesh Talashi, also associated with the National Conference said, Heartbroken as four KP houses, including mine, were gutted in a fire in Mattan. Urging Deputy Commissioner Anantnag and Jammu & Kashmir Police to take swift action and ensure justice.

Reacting to the fire incident the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference in a post on x SAID, “JKNC stands united with our Kashmiri Pandit brethren in Mattan, Anantnag, following the tragic fire that destroyed several houses. One of the affected houses holds deep sentimental value as it was the maternal home of our Additional Spokesperson,
@UTalashi. This loss of property is deeply emotional and significant. We call on the authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to bring the culprits to justice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the impacted families, and we extend our full support to
@UTalashi and all those affected”.

JKNC stands united with our Kashmiri Pandit brethren in Mattan, Anantnag, following the tragic fire that destroyed several houses.
One of the affected houses holds deep sentimental value as it was the maternal home of our Additional Spokesperson, @UTalashi.
This loss of… pic.twitter.com/MVuZLuJ6Sj
— JKNC (@JKNC_) July 29, 2024

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