Those who survived Monday's terrorist attack on Nadimarg village in Pulwama district, in which 24 Pandits were killed, want to leave the Kashmir valley.
"We cannot live here anymore. We are not safe," said one of the Pandits.
Muslims from nearby villages are trying to convince them to stay, but "we are of the firm view that that migration from the valley is the only way to safeguard our interests", he said.
Other Pandits, who have descended on this tiny hamlet to offer condolences to the bereaved families, have also joined the "leave valley" chorus.
Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed has promised that all Pandits who have migrated will be brought back. But every time a dignitary comes, the Muslims here raise slogans against the government for failing to protest them.
"How can you bring back over two lakh people when we, just 8,000, are not safe. We should be allowed to migrate," one of the Pandits told Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani when he visited the village.
When Advani assured them that the Centre, in coordination with the state government, would ensure their safety, the people protested.
"Your wishes will be conveyed to the Prime Minister [Atal Bihari Vajpayee] at the CCS [Cabinet Committee on Security] meeting and steps will be taken keeping your aspirations in mind," Advani said.
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