PRESS RELEASE – 13th September 2019
Ever since 1990, 14th September is being observed every year as a MARTYRS DAY by Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) all over the country and outside. To keep this flame of sacrifice going, Kashmiri Hindu Sabha Telangana (KHST) along with Youth 4 Panun Kashmir and Jammu Kashmir Study Center are jointly paying homage to KP MARTYRS and also to all our soldiers who have laid down their lives for the cause of our Mother Land, Kashmir.
To commemorate this somber occasion and remembering the departed noble souls, this year, KHST is offering their tearful ‘Shraddhanjali’ on 14th September 2019, at HVYA Bhavan, 2nd floor, Vasavi Seva Kendram, Khairatabad at 5:00 PM.
14th September 1989, is the day when seeds of systematic ethnic killings of innocent KP Hindus were sown and Shri Tika Lal Taplu, our KP leader became the first victim of unpardonable crime perpetrated on innocent and hapless Kashmiri Hindus especially Kashmiri Pandits. After that barbaric killings continued unabated and hundreds of innocent KPs were killed including many of the prominent ones.
KHST through this homage also wants to remind Indian Government that 1989 onwards thousands of KPs have been killed but India as a nation had more or less remained aloof and indifferent to the barbaric genocide perpetrated by militants, secessionists supported by some of the members of minority community in Kashmir valley.
Despite history has recorded at least 7 mass exoduses of Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir Valley. The irony of it all is that the 1989-90 exodus, which is still continuing, is first one in an independent, sovereign, democratic and secular India. All the cherished values enshrined and envisaged in our constitution like equality before law, non-discrimination on account of caste creed and religion have proved totally ineffective in respect of KPs. Though 29 years have passed yet there is no roadmap, serious or strong move to address the problems faced by the KPs.
There are possible doubts that all this is being done in order to allow, with the passage of time, to dilute the cause of KPs to a stage when they are erased physically and from the minds of our great nation. Probably a time is being envisaged when nobody will claim to be a KP. The history also notes we KPs along with Muslim brethren bestowed a greatest gift to India called KASHMIRIYAT which attracted even Gandhi Ji when he was searching for the roots of secularism.
Questions that exists in every KP’s mind is that
Why NHRC has remained a mute spectator for this crime against humanity by despite mass gruesome killings and no action has been taken so far by them?
Why High Court of erstwhile J&K & Supreme Court have not intervened to address these mass killings of KPs?
Remembering the sacrifices of our brethren, we appeal fervently to the nation, judiciary and the government to implement the following on war footing;
Bring out a white paper on the plight of Kashmiri Pandits and their treatment in Kashmir in last 30 years.
Constitute a fact finding commission for conducting a time bound investigations about genesis, machinations, conspiracy and all other aspects and to suggest short, medium and long term measures so that such genocide is never repeated in India ever. Center and State governments should abide by such findings & measures suggested and implement them in time bound manner.
Restore our human rights and dignity and allow conducive atmosphere for KPs to survive and thrive in Kashmir.
All responsible for our community killings should be brought to Justice in a fixed period of time.
Bring in structural, procedural and constitutional changes in governance of Kashmir to ensure that Kashmir remains integral part of India, its growth and development removing all discriminations of cast, creed and religion.
Provide well thought concessions to Kashmiri Pandits to bring them at par with majority community to fill the gap of last thirty years of misery and lack of opportunity for their dignified existence and restoration of all fundamental rights which are available to all the citizens of India.
We sincerely hope and expect that entire nation with support this cause and unite to make India strong and resilient.
President
Kashmiri Hindu Sabha Telangana
Date: 17-Aug-2019
Kashmiri Hindu Sabha Telangana organized a musical evening for the Kashmiri Pandit community of twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad today at Park Continental Hotel, Masab Tank. The event witnessed about 200 Kashmiri Pandits rejoicing and enjoying traditional Kashmiri music and songs.
Kailash Mehra sadhu ji, one of the most popular Kashmiri singers performed many favorite tracks of the community. Audience broke into spontaneous dances every now and then, and people of all ages seemed to be really enjoying the performance.
“This event is part of our regular efforts to organize events that help the community come together and bond with each in their life of exile from their own homeland. Such events provide a great platform for the community to recall all their memories of their homeland and for few hours feel like they are back in Kashmir.”, said Sunil Saraf.
Vikram Thaploo explained how the Sabha strives constantly to find such avenues to keep their Kashmiri identity alive – “Our children are born and brought up away from Kashmir. It is imperative upon us to find ways to keep exposing them to our culture and history so that they understand their lineage and real identity, and ensure we keep our community alive while we continue to be away from our homeland.”, said Vikram.
The event was further sweetened by the recent abrogation of articles 370 and 35A, and reorganization of J&K into two Union Territories. “This step by the Government has finally opened up a path for peace in our lands. Kashmiri Pandits obviously feel elated, and now hopeful of return to their own place. Not only does this step by the Government provide hope for the religious minorities of Kashmir, but even for the majority community there as they have been tricked and fooled by the separatists, and even the political leadership of the valley, and been deprived of any real development over these seven decades. A new Sun has risen for the valley.”, said Vinod Bhan.
Sushil Pandit, a prominent community activist from Delhi, and founder of Roots in Kashmir, also participated in the event. He expressed gratitude to the Government for the bold step. “Abrogation of articles 370 and 35A was long due. We have been striving for last three decades – educating all and sundry about the reality of the issues that plague the valley. Abrogation of these articles only needed political will, and the present Government has corrected the wrongs that have been root cause of the suffering of people in the valley. However, this is just the first step. Many more measures need to be ensured for the safe and honorable return of the Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland. We will present our demands to the Government. But, today is the day to rejoice and I feel the oneness with the my brothers and sisters who are leading their exile life in Hyderabad area. I thank Kailas ji for her soulful renditions that almost created Kashmir in this hall today.”, said Sushil Pandit.
About 300 families of Kashmiri Pandits live in Hyderabad/Secunderabad area. They are working in varied sectors like IT, Healthcare, Medical, Science, Teaching, and so on.
