Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 14: Panun Kashmir (PK) organised its annual “Kashmiri Pandit Nirvasan Samvat-33 Programme” here, today. The function was presided over by Virender Raina, president PK. Kamal Bagati and Upinder Koul, general secretaries of PK, Sameer Bhat, convenor PK youth, Ashok Chrungoo, P.K Durani ,Vijay Qazi, Surinder Koul, N.M.Gadroo, Virender Koul, Kewal Krishen, Prof. Shiben Krishen, Sameer Mattoo, Sanjay Kaul among others attended the programme.
The programme was inaugurated by lighting of 33 earthen lamps symbolizing the 33 years of exile of the community. The members offered floral tributes to the portrait of Mata Sharda and invoked her blessings so that more than three-decade long exile would come to an end.
Virender Raina, president, PK in his address said that it was in the year 2000 that PK adopted a resolution on “Kashmiri Pandit Nirvasan Samvat” which found a great emotional resonance in the KP community. It was considered important that the genocide, ethnic cleansing and exile of the Pandits from the Valley be commemorated in a befitting manner every year besides being recorded as a historical event to serve as a living reminder to the members of the community of a burning urge to strive hard for the reversal of genocide and to regain the lost homeland in Kashmir. “We resolve to get resettled in the Kashmir Valley with honour, dignity and security with full Constitutional and legislative powers in our hands so that our progeny may not again suffer the indignity and trauma which have been faced by the present generation”.
He said PK looks up with great expectations that PM’s forthcoming visit to Jammu would strengthen the nationalist forces. He said the recent killings of minority Hindus in Kashmir is a matter of great concern and shows that the genocide continues against the peace loving minorities.
Prof.Shiban Krishen in his address emphasized upon the need to strive for excellence in exile and excel despite all the challenges. Kashmiri Pandit boys and girls have made a mark in the institutions of higher learning in the country and abroad. “Our youth today have to connect themselves with the struggle of the community to fight for its existence and political identity”, he added.
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