Tika Lal Taploo scheme: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday remembered Tika Lal Taploo, the first Kashmiri Pandit to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who was killed by terrorists. Addressing a mega rally in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, PM Modi said, “We have decided to launch a scheme in honour of Tika Lal Taploo to ensure that Kashmiri Pandits get their rights at the earliest.”
Who was Teeka Lal Taploo?
The name of Tika Lal Taploo holds a prominent place in the history of Kashmiri Hindus. Taploo was the tallest leader of Kashmiri Pandits, a lawyer by profession and one of the early BJP leaders of the valley, who was assassinated by terrorists of Yasin Malik’s Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) during the turbulent years of militancy. Taploo was born in Srinagar, received higher education in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, but returned to his native place i.e. Jammu and Kashmir to work.
He was a prominent Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He spread the ideology of the BJP in Kashmir. He was assassinated by terrorists in 1989. The exodus of Kashmiri Pandits began after his assassination. Taploo’s assassination was considered a warning to those Kashmiri Hindus in the Kashmir Valley who were vocal against the terrorists. However, Taploo’s assassination awakened and organized Kashmiri Hindus, who are still fighting for the rights of Hindus displaced from Kashmir.
Also read: Who was Teeka Lal Taploo? After the murder, a wave of violence arose against Kashmiri Pandits
What is the Tika Lal Taplu Scheme?
Tika Lal Taploo Yojana is an important scheme launched for the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits and their safe return to the valley. ‘Tika Lal Taploo Displaced Society Rehabilitation Scheme’ will focus on the rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits and ensuring benefits for all displaced persons of Jammu and Kashmir. The Modi government at the Center says that it is taking concrete steps to bring Kashmiri Pandits back to the valley and ensure their safety under this scheme. Under this, it has been said to provide them financial assistance, houses, reservation in jobs, and security arrangements for rehabilitation.
The BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ (manifesto) for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections also promises ‘ghar wapsi’ for Kashmiri Pandits through the Tika Lal Taploo Visthapat Samaj Punarvas Yojana (TLTVSPY). Apart from this, the manifesto includes several promises, including the elimination of terrorism from the valley, reconstruction of Hindu temples and shrines, and regularisation of daily wage labourers working for the government, etc. But the most important thing is that the party is addressing its core vote bank – Kashmiri Pandits – and promising ‘ghar wapsi’ for them through a scheme named after Tika Lal Taploo if it forms the government.
In the manifesto released by Home Minister Amit Shah on September 6, the BJP said: “This initiative will include inputs from their representatives and the Displaced Community Welfare Board to protect, safeguard and safeguard the rights of displaced Kashmiri Pandits.”
How will Kashmiri Hindus return?
The return of Kashmiri Hindus is a complex issue because it cannot be limited to just physical rehabilitation. The main basis for the return of Kashmiri Hindus is the protection of their security, cultural and social rights.
Key points of the government’s strategy include:
Security and Protection: Deployment of special security forces in the valley and creation of safe colonies for Kashmiri Hindus.
Job and economic opportunities: Special reservation for jobs in the valley and economic package offered.
Cultural Preservation: Repair and reconstruction of sites associated with the culture and religion of Kashmiri Pandits.
BJP’s 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Election Strategy
The BJP’s campaign for the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections is primarily focused on the return of Kashmiri Hindus, development and security.
Issue of national unity: The BJP is touting the repeal of Articles 370 and 35A as its biggest achievement. It is emphasising that the repeal of these articles has given Jammu and Kashmir equal rights like other states of India.
Talk of development: The BJP is also keeping the development agenda at the centre in this election, which includes development of infrastructure in the valley, improvement in electricity, water, education and health services.
Tough against terrorism: The BJP is highlighting the success of the security forces in curbing terrorism in the Valley in its election campaign. It is also promoting policies that have been made to stop cross-border terrorist activities.
Support for Kashmiri youth: Employment and education reform schemes for the youth, who are facing unemployment and lack of education in the valley, are another major part of the BJP’s election campaign.
Public engagement: The BJP is strengthening its ties with local leaders and communities so that it can understand people’s problems at the grassroots level and provide solutions. The government’s schemes to empower representatives at the panchayat level are a step in this direction.
Teeka Lal Taploo’s legacy symbolizes the struggle for rights and return of Kashmiri Hindus, and the BJP is keeping this ideology at the center in the upcoming assembly elections. Plans for the return of Kashmiri Pandits, the issue of development and a tough policy on terrorism are the main part of the BJP’s election strategy. Now it remains to be seen how effective this strategy proves to be among the public and what will be the results of the elections.