Tribute paid to Pt Prem Nath Bhat
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU Dec 27, Making a sensational disclosure that highest authority in the UPA had intervened to get the Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Religious Places (Management and Regulation) Bill stalled, BJP leader and former legislator, Devender Singh Rana today said there was nothing uncomfortable in the legislation except preservation of the valuable religious treasure of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley.
“I say it on record that sustained efforts were made to stall the passage of the Bill”, Rana said while paying tribute to Pandit Prem Nath Bhat on Chetna Diwas here this afternoon organized by Pandit Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust. The gathering was addressed by Swami Kumar Ji and Justice(retd) Sunil Hali. Ashok Koul, general secretary (Org) BJP, was the presiding guest on the occasion.
Rana said the machinations against the Kashmiri Pandits did not end up with their horrible exodus at the gun-point but it continued thereafter too with slogans like ‘honourable and safe return’ becoming a fashion statement for all those donning the mantle of governance. They did nothing except delivering emotive slogans without any substance, he added.
The BJP leader however lauded the resilience and assimilative character of the brave community which weathered all storms with fortitude. He described the forced exodus of the entire ethnic community from their homes and hearths as one of the major tragedies of the twentieth century and sought Truth & Reconciliation Commission under a retired Supreme Court Judge to find out the circumstance leading to commission of human rights violation of such a magnitude.
“Ethnic cleansing of aborigines from their land of ancestors is unheard”, Rana observed, saying it is a matter of concern for people to become refugees in their own country.
Rana wondered why the pain of lakhs of displaced people has not evoked the conscience of the self-styled champions of human rights for over three decades, saying silence of convenience by activists and self proclaimed liberals explodes their duplicity and double standards. He even questioned the selective silence of the UNHRC which remains at tenterhooks on each and every issue. He also took on the people, attributing the exodus to, what they say, conspiracy hatched by a former Governor, asking why Pandit Prem Nath Bhat was martyred on this day in 1989 when Jagmohan was not in the scene at all. He said such allegations unfortunately provide shield to Pakistan and her lackeys who perpetrated the exodus under a well-knit strategy rolled out by General Zia-ul-Haq in his notorious and infamous Operation Topac.
Subjecting Kashmiri Pandits to acquisitions is like sprinkling salt to their wounds, he observed, lamenting this should not have happened to the civilised community whose contribution to intellectual and educational emancipation to societies and generations has been immense.
The BJP leader lauded the grit and determination of the Kashmiri Pandits, saying they showed the entire world how pessimism in the wake of their engineered wilderness can be transformed into optimism by achieving excellence in the most competitive world. It is heartening that the enterprising boys and girls of the community have made their intellect and presence felt in the corporate sector globally. However, he agreed that the situation is not so rosy as many KP youth are struggling for sustenance even now. The society and the Government at large have to chalk out a strategy to ensure better living conditions for these hapless youth and the displaced families. He said the Centre seems to be taking several initiatives in this regard, adding that socio-economic empowerment of the community is impossible without political empowerment. He hoped this would merit consideration by the designated authorities.
Paying his homage to the martyr, Pt Prem Nath Bhat, the BJP leader said his supreme sacrifice will serve as an inspiration for the younger generations to love the land of Rishis and Munnis, which was a peaceful abode and beautiful vase of flowers of different colours. He exhorted the community to unite for getting their redressal of their legitimate concerns.
Justice retired Sunil Hali in his address said Mandir Bill protects thousands year old heritage of all the communities living in Kashmir and it is not harmful for any body. Temples and shrines is a symbol of culture of Kashmir.
Swami Kumar Ji said we must follow dharma. The Kashmiri pundits despite having been subjected to untold miseries in Valley did not pick up guns and stones as they love humanity and this is the greatest strength which man kind can have. The vote of thanks was proposed by chairman of the Trust, Roshan Lal Pandita who urged the BJP leaders to put forward the demands before concerned quarters.
Other prominent persons who were present were Justice (Retd) BK Bhat, vice-chairman of the Trust, Shiban Khaybri, secretary, S.L. Koul, A.K. Raina, B.L. Bhat, K.L. Bhat, Prof. Trisal, Prof. A.N. Sadhu, P.K. Raina, Som Nath Khajuria, Dharamveer Singh Jamwal, S. Sucha Singh and others.
Earlier P K Raina, community speaker highlighted the demands and stressed on passage of Shrines and Temples Bill, solving of problems of displaced youth, doing away with SRO 194 , granting of promotion benefits to PM package employees, construction of quarters for migrants living in rented accommodations, enhancement of cash relief, grant of loans to overaged youth etc.
On the occasion two martyrs of the community Jagar Nath Kaul of Y K Pora and Rakesh Pandita chairman, Municipality Tral were honoured posthumously. Their citations were read by P K Zar and M K Jalali. Besides, Girja Zar and Astha Zar sung Ganesh Vandhna and Vande Matram.
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