Excelsior Correspondent
New Delhi, Mar 30:All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS), Apex Body of K P organizations in India and abroad, held a one-day Conclave at Lal Ded Memorial Convention Centre, Pamposh Enclave, here today to highlight the issues confronting the Kashmiri Pandit community after their unfortunate displacement from Kashmir in early 90’s.
Eminent diplomat G Parthasarathy, who was the chief guest, accompanied by AIKS President Moti Kaul, Dr Surinder Koul, president KOA and guest of honour Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain lighted the ceremonial lamp. The delegates from Delhi NCR and representatives from AIKS affiliate units from all over India and overseas, participated.
The special number of AIKS monthly journal, Naad was also released thereafter. The first session of the conclave started with a welcome address by Moti Kaul who expressed his gratitude to the distinguished guests and also the delegates for having come from far off places to attend the programme in large numbers.
Kaul lambasted both the State and Central Governments for their gross indifference and playing havoc with the lives of Kashmiri Pandits living in exile as refugees for over two decades. Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has been befooling the people of the State and the nation in regard to our plight for far too long. Kaul asked him to “look at his Government’s track record of what has been done on matters of cash relief, employment to our youth who have now got overaged, encroachment of our properties, passage of Temples and Shrines Bill, infrastructure at Jagti Camp etc”.
The theme of the first session was “The Way Forward” for the displaced community. Speaking on the subject, Lt Gen Ata Hasnain started on a positive note and shared his military experiences with the audience during his tenure in the Valley of Kashmir as in-charge of military operations there. He said that in Kashmir we have both military as well as political objectives and both must go hand in hand.
Dr Surinder Kaul, president KOA apprised the delegates about the collaboration between KOA and AIKS as a humble beginning to take note of the prevailing social conditions of KPs in India. He further said that the leadership of both the organizations have realized an immense need for social engagements and have identified key areas to lay strong foundations of the collaboration.
G Parthasarathy, in his characteristic style in the backdrop of his experience as High Commissioner of Pakistan and the impact of the changing political scenario in Kashmir, talked about the international conspiracy of keeping Kashmir as a trouble spot. He gave a broad outline of the changes that have taken place in the Valley of Kashmir and said that the reversal of changes inimical to India would largely depend on the re-settlement of displaced Kashmiri Pandits as they constitute an important component of the civil society. The obvious changes would be seen when the new Governments assume charge both at the Centre and in the State after the elections. He however, expressed optimism at the changing political environment in the Valley.
During the conference a resolution was passed demanding grant of Minority Status to Kashmiri Pandits, Passage of Temples and Shrines Bill, rehabilitation in “All inclusive Satellite Township, Political empowerment to protect and Preserve Kashmiri Pandits’ Ethnic Identity, enhance cash relief, implement employment package, vacate encroachment of Properties, etc.
It was decided that through Community Initiatives – AIKS – KOA collaboration, Jagti will be created a Center of excellence and promoting Shardapeeth Virtual University as a Centre of Knowledge and Excellence.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel