KPs protest to mark 30th ‘holocaust day’

Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 19

Displaced Kashmiri Pandits observed “Holocaust day” to mark their 30 years in exile.

Various social and political groups organised protests and seminars on the occasion and called upon the government to involve Pandits in formulating a return plan for them.

They also demanded that the community should be settled at one place in Kashmir. This year’s programme was dedicated to Dogras and campaign “Gratitude to Jammu” was launched to remember the contribution of Jammu in providing refuge to victims of militancy.

“We dedicate today’s programme to the lion-hearted people of Jammu. Lakhs of people who escaped from the Valley are living in harmony in the city of temples for the past three decades. They supported us when thousands of families were forced to flee from the Valley,” said speakers at an event organised by the Panun Kashmir (PK).

“We shall always remain indebted to Dogras of Jammu who made sure that the homeless community forced out of their homeland was made to feel at home in Jammu,” said Bihari Lal Koul, secretary organisation, PK.

Remembering the sufferings of the community, Dr Ajay Chrangoo, chairman, Panun Kashmir, said for centuries, minority Hindus in Kashmir had suffered at the hands of the majority community and 1990 was just one such event.

Dr Agnishekhar, convener, PK, said, “Pain and agony of forced displacement has left indelible marks on the psyche of Hindus for the past 30 years.”

Meanwhile, the All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC), along with other socio-political organisations, held a demonstration outside Raj Bhawan in Jammu.

ASKPC president, Ravinder Raina, said, “The community has completed 30 years in exile and feels cheated by the hollow promises of return and rehabilitation by various governments.”

Dr Tej Krishen Bhat, general secretary, ASKPC, said the government, after taking into confidence community leaders, should come out with a blueprint for the resettlement of the community at “one place in Kashmir” with political empowerment and economic rehabilitation.

Dr RL Pandita, president, PNBMT, spoke on the occasion about the Bill for the protection of ancient shrines in the Valley.