Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 19: Exiled Kashmiri Pandits observed the 29th Holocaust Day in different parts of country today by holding protest demonstrations, public gatherings and sit in dharnas.
A strong joint demonstration was held on the Holocaust Day here today. The day is observed by the displaced community every year in remembrance of what was done to it 28 years ago on 19-20 January night in the Valley of Kashmir. A large number of activists of the community assembled at outside the Raj Bhawan here at 10 AM and sat on a sit-in-protest there.
Those who addressed the demonstrators included Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo, president, Panun Kashmir, Adv. Ravinder Raina, president, All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference, Swami Kumar Ji, Chandji Bhat, president, BJP Displaced District President, Vinod Pandit, President, APMCC, Rakesh Kaul, of Samporan Kashmir Sangathan, Dr T K Bhat, general secretary, ASKPC, Sheila Handoo, BJP leader, Kusum Lata, Virender Kaul, T K Bhat, Kamal Bagati, P L Koul Budgami, King C Bharti, Shiban Khaibri, Ashok Kangan, Vijay Bhat of PK, T K Koul, Daya Krishan etc.
Ashwani Chrungoo, in his address said that Kashmiri Pandit community cannot afford to ignore the scars of history and 19th January is an important date for the community to learn lessons for the future. “We are deeply rooted in the ethos of Kashmir as a living civilization and the Kashmiri Pandits have an inalienable right on the land of Kashmir”.
Ravinder Raina, Adv, president of ASKPC laid emphasis on the survival issues of the community. He asked the government to settle the issue of one time settlement of the over aged youth of the community and urgently complete the process of the recruitment under PM’s package plan.
Swami Kumar ji in his address appealed to the people to show unity at all levels and be ready for the sacrifices in this regard.
Chandji Bhat, president, BJP district displaced unit categorically said that the time has come for the Kashmiri Pandits to raise their voice for redressal of their issues loudly since there is a favorable Government at the Centre this time.
Vinod Pandit, president, APMCC vehemently advocated the issue of Sharda Yatra in the POK. He said that the Kashmiri Pandits have an equal right to make its demands known to the government and the people and need their redressal as well.
Rakesh Kaul said that the Health Insurance issue also needs a review in order to accommodate all strata of the displaced society.
ADKUF headed by its Chairman DN Kissu jointly with Kashmiri Pandit Conference observed Holocaust day by holding protests at various places in Jammu. Protests followed by wearing black badges/ Caps to refresh the wounds of genocide and forced mass exodus lights were also switched off from 6 to 7PM.
Among others Prof GL Koul, PL Sudeshi, CL Koul, Phoola Bhat, ML Pandit, PN Raina, BN Bhat, CL Zutshi and ML Koul addressed the meeting.
Addressing the PK activists meetings at Delhi and Mumbai respectively organized to observe the Holocaust Day the PK convener, Dr Agnishekhar and its chairman, Dr Ajay Chrungoo said that time has come when entire community should with one voice dedicate themselves to struggle launched by PK for separate homeland in Kashmir as per Marg Darshan resolution of 199. They said that there was no solution to KPs problems without separate homeland and regretted the attitude of the present Union and State Government towards the exiled Pandits which has been concerned for rehabilitation of stone pelters and not the victims of terrorism.
A protest demonstration was held by Kashmiri Khatri Hindu Maha Sabha at Jagti to observe the Holocaust Day under the leadership of Engineer Ramesh Chander Mahajan.
Another protest demonstration was held near Raj bhawan by Jagti inmates led by Sunil Pandita and Vijay Kaul who highlighted the miseries of the exiled Pandits.
JTC also observed the Holocaust Day at Jagti under the leadership of Shadi Lal Pandita. He accused the Government of its total failure in rehabilitating the community. AMCCC also observed the Holocaust Day at Jagti under the leadership of Desh Rattan its president. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he said it is unfortunate that Union Government during last 29 years failed restore their homeland to Pandits.
KPC also observed Holocaust Day at Dwarika, New Delhi today under the leadership of its president Kundan Kashmiri in which the demand for settlement of Pandits at one place in Valley was termed the only solution to their problems. KPC activists wore black badges and switched off the lights of their residences for two hours in the evening as a mark of protest.
Kashmir Samiti Delhi observed the Holocaust Day at Amar Colony New Delhi and torched the effigies of terrorists and separatists.
Holocaust Day was also observed at Sharda Colony Patoli Brahmana, near, here by KPs of the area under the leadership of B L Kher. Dr Ramesh Bhat and Nath Ji Bhat spoke on the occasion and stressed on the unity in the community. They said the community should launch a struggle for its rehabilitation and restoration of its rights.
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