| Rift in Panun Kashmir: Ajay Chrungoo expelled, Tito Ganju named chairman | | | 
Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 14: Internal differences within the displaced Kashmiri Hindu community surfaced on Saturday after Panun Kashmir expelled its chairman, Ajay Chrungoo, over allegations of foreign links and alleged communication with Ghulam Nabi Fai.
According to the organization’s leadership, concerns were raised about Chrungoo’s alleged contacts with Fai, who has been accused of pursuing an anti-India agenda on the Kashmir issue. The Panun Kashmir High Command had sought clarification from Chrungoo on the matter, but he reportedly failed to respond.
Following this, Panun Kashmir Convener Agnishekhar, after consultations with senior members of the organization, issued a circular announcing Chrungoo’s expulsion. The decision was taken in consultation with office-bearers including General Secretary Kuldeep Raina and Organising Secretary Bihari Lal Kaul.
The organization has nominated Tito Ganju as the new chairman.
In the circular, the leadership said the decision was taken to safeguard the aspirations of the displaced Kashmiri Hindu community and to preserve the ideological direction of the organization’s movement.
The circular also referred to a controversial article describing Fai as an ISI agent, after which concerns were raised about the functioning of the organization. The leadership alleged deviations from the ideological principles of Panun Kashmir and attempts to stall the organization’s progress.
It further cited several public statements by Chrungoo, including remarks critical of the Ram Mandir Ayodhya, which reportedly drew objections from the organization.
Panun Kashmir leaders said questions had also been raised about Chrungoo’s foreign visits, sponsorships and alleged interactions with Fai. He was asked to provide an explanation, but no clarification was received even after a year.
General Secretary Kuldeep Raina said the organization had given Chrungoo ample time to respond.
“The decision was not taken overnight. He was given nearly a year to clarify his position. However, he continued to function in an arbitrary manner, which was not benefiting the Kashmiri Hindu community,” Raina said.
He added that he personally met Chrungoo along with other members on March 14, 2025, and urged him to work for the strengthening of the organization, but the issues remained unresolved.
Founded on December 31, 1990, in Jammu in the aftermath of the mass exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from the Valley, Panun Kashmir has witnessed internal differences and factional divisions over the years.
Historically, the organization has seen multiple splinter groups led by key figures including Agnishekhar (Panun Kashmir), Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo (Panun Kashmir Movement) and Ajay Chrungoo (Panun Kashmir Foundation), all of whom have continued to work for the community through separate platforms. |
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