A displaced Kashmiri Pandit leader and head of the hardline Panun Kashmir organisation, Dr Ashwani Chrungoo, has challenged the Centre’s claims of normality being restored in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that militancy in the region has instead become more militarised and sophisticated. His remarks come days after the Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti, which represents non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits, called for “decisive preventive measures” to ensure the community’s safety following threats from suspected militants. ADVERTISEMENTMost Pandit organisations had strongly supported the Centre’s 2019 decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and reorganise the former state intotwo Union Territories. Chrungoo, a doctor turned chief of the group, told the media in Jammu that militancy was getting more sophisticated, cautioning the Centre against restoration of statehood. “A new form of terrorism has emerged, indicating that terrorist activities have become militarised and highly sophisticated,” Dr Chrungoo said.

Source: The Telegraph February 28, 2026 01:25 UTC