In the early hours of Sunday, July 31st, a devastating fire erupted in Lone Mohalla in Mattan, Anantnag, resulting in the complete destruction of five houses owned by Kashmiri Pandits. The intensity of the blaze was such that it reduced these structures to ashes, prompting immediate action from local authorities.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police, in response to the severity of the incident, have formed a special investigative team to determine the cause of the fire. This step underscores the critical nature of the situation, especially given the historical tensions and the current volatile atmosphere concerning the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley.

According to initial reports, the fire originated in a house that was currently unoccupied. This house belonged to a Kashmiri Pandit family, and the flames quickly spread to adjacent homes, magnifying the destruction. The rapid spread of the fire raised suspicions and concerns among the local population, further complicating the already delicate socio-political fabric of the area.

Local residents did not waste time upon noticing the flames; they promptly alerted the fire services. The firefighting team arrived at the disaster site at approximately 1:45 am, equipped with five trucks. Nissar Ahmed, a Fire Brigade Officer involved in the operation, provided insights into the response, "We were informed and we came immediately. About five vehicles were deployed and the fire was controlled in three to four hours."

Despite the swift response from the fire department, the fire inflicted significant damage. It engulfed five houses in total, completely leveling one to the ground. The incident has left the community in shock and raised several questions about the safety of minority communities in the region and the implications for their future in the valley.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have officially commenced an inquiry to determine the underlying causes of the incident. The tragic event has ignited fears among the Kashmiri Pandit community, particularly those residing outside of the region, who suspect foul play aimed at discouraging their return to the Valley.

This incident has not only resulted in material losses but also sparked a wave of solidarity among various groups and political entities. The National Conference, a prominent political party in the region, has expressed its unwavering support for the affected families. In a heartfelt declaration, the party stated, "We stand with our Kashmiri Pandit brothers after the tragic fire that destroyed several houses in Mattan, Anantnag. One of the affected houses holds deep emotional significance as it was the maternal home of our additional spokesperson, Umesh Tashi. We call upon the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to bring the culprits to justice." This statement highlights the personal and communal impact of the disaster, underscoring the urgency for a meticulous and transparent investigation.

Adding to the chorus of concerned voices is Ravindra Pandita, Chairman of the Kashmir Sharada Peeth Awasthapan. He provided a critical perspective on the management and protection of properties owned by Kashmiri migrants. Pandita remarked, "The recent fire in the properties of Kashmiri migrants in Mattan has shocked everyone. The Deputy Commissioner, who is the custodian of minority properties, has not taken proper steps to preserve them. This is clearly a case of vandalism, and we need preventive measures. The administration should ensure such acts do not happen again and compensate the owners."

In the aftermath of the devastating fire that targeted homes of Kashmiri Pandits in Anantnag, members of the community are expressing their determination to overcome intimidation and threats. Ashok Kumar, President of All Temples and Shrines South Kashmir, conveyed a strong message of resilience, stating, "We will not be frightened or scared. We have been threatened since the 1990s, but this is our Janmabhoomi, and we will remain here. We are renovating our buildings and temples, and we will not be deterred by their actions. The government must ensure the safety of Kashmiri Pandits and their property." This sentiment underscores a longstanding commitment to preserving their cultural heritage and securing a place in their ancestral land.

The police response to this incident was prompt and thorough. Javed Iqbal, DIG South Kashmir Range, detailed the steps taken immediately following the fire: "There has been a report of a fire in the house of Shri Anand Ji Rajdan in the Mattan area. SHO Mattan reached the spot with a police party, and the fire brigade was called. The fire was controlled in about one and a half hours. Nearby houses were also damaged. We have registered a case under section 326BNS and collected CCTV footage for the investigation. A senior officer is supervising the investigation," he explained. This proactive approach by the local police is part of broader efforts to address the incident with the gravity it deserves, aiming to restore peace and security in the area.

Amid these challenging times, the broader Kashmiri Pandit community, including those who have moved away from the Valley, are calling for a comprehensive investigation into the incident. They are urging the government to bolster security measures for unoccupied properties and religious sites, which are seen as essential to countering efforts that seek to prevent their return and rehabilitation in the region.

This tragic event has not only brought to light the ongoing struggles faced by the Kashmiri Pandit community but has also galvanized a unified call for ensuring their safety and facilitating their eventual return to the Valley.