Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 22: Annual programme showcasing the atrocities perpetuated upon Kashmiri Pandit community during the Kashmir Pandit Agitation (Mahasangarsh) of 1967 was organized for the fourth consecutive year in succession, by the Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra, Anand Nagar, Bhori, near here, today.
Raj Nehru, Vice Chancellor of Indian’s first Skill Development University ‘ VishwaKarma Skill University, was the chief guest on this occasion. The function started with paying rich floral tributes to all those martyrs who laid down their lives for the honour and dignity of the community during the 1967 Kashmiri Pandit agitation. Two minutes silence was observed in the memory of the 1967 agitation Martyrs and late A. B Vajpayee, a great leader of the nation and former Prime Minister.
Family members of Shaheed M.K. Razdan, Shaheed H. N. Mattoo were honoured by presenting mementos and Shawls to them. M.K. Koul social activist was also honored on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, H. N. Jattu, president All India Kashmiri Pandit Conference, (AIKPC) said that our community had not been silently facing dishonor, deprivation and at times death also, but it massively stood against the injustice in the year 1967 by absolute peaceful demonstration in a disciplined manner without disturbing the working of office, business establishment or day to day life of people.
More than a month long protest demonstration by courting arrest (Satyagraha) by a group of five persons on each day continued uninterrupted. Showering of police lathis, tear-gas shells was not the only weapon used to terrorize the peaceful Satyagrahis but their families also were arrested by thronging into their houses for arrest during nights, he added.
Ashok Ji Braroo, vice president, Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, Jammu, said that general impression is given that 1967 agitation was a failure. But, as a matter fact it was not a failure but a cruel political game played by the State Government even after arriving at an agreement by the parties signed by the then Home Secretary, Mr. Rianzo on behalf of the State Government and by the leaders of Hindu Action Committee. Only one part of the Agreement i.e constitution of two Commissions viz Kholi Commission was implemented and other points shelved.
The chief guest on the occasion Raj Nehru, threw light on many aspects pertaining the community regarding their living , settlement and for their survival as a dignified man in a democratic set up.
The programme was conducted by Ravi Jogi and vote of thanks was proposed by Tej Krishen Jigyasoo.
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