ALL INDIA KASHMIRI SAMAJ (REGD.) (APEX BODY OF INDIAN & OVERSEAS KASHMIRI PANDIT ORGANISATIONS) D-90, Sarojini Nagar, New Delhi – 110023, Telefax: 011-24677114 E-mail: aiksnd@live PRESS RELEASE AIKS CONCLAVE RELEASES VISION DOCUMENT New Delhi – March 30 All India Kashmiri Samaj Regd. (AIKS), the apex body of Kashmiri Pandit organizations in India and abroad, held a one-day Conclave on 30th March 2014 at Lal Ded Memorial Convention Centre, Pamposh Enclave, New Delhi. The objective was to reiterate the issues confronting the Kashmiri Pandit community after their unfortunate displacement from Kashmir in early 90’s. Eminent diplomat Shri G. Parthasarathy, who was the Chief Guest, accompanied by AIKS President Shri Moti Kaul, Dr. Surinder Koul, President KOA and Guest of Honour Lt. Gen Syed Ata Hasnain lighted the ceremonial lamp. The delegates from Delhi NCR and representatives from AIKS affiliate units from all over India and overseas, participated. The Special Number of AIKS monthly journal, Naad was also released thereafter. The First Session of the Conclave started with a welcome address by Shri Moti Kaul who expressed his gratitude to the distinguished guests and also the delegates for having come from far off places to attend the programme in large numbers. Shri Kaul lambasted both the State and Central governments for their gross indifference and playing havoc with the lives of Kashmiri Pandits living in exile as refugees for over two decades. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been fooling the people of the State and the nation in regard to our plight for far too long. Shri Kaul asked him to “look at his government’s track record of what has been done on matters of cash relief, employment to our youth who have now got overaged, encroachment of our properties, passage of Temples and Shrines bill, infrastructure at Jagti Camp etc”. According to Shri Kaul, the Ten Point Vision Document released at the AIKS Conclave has two clear dimensions: one that we shall continue to expose the govt. for their utter neglect and discrimination towards the displaced community, and the other that we as a community shall on our own initiate projects to alleviate our sufferings and try to build monumental institutions and heritage centres. In this context, AIKS – KOA (USA) Collaboration is a landmark development, that shall give concrete shape to these projects, he concluded. The theme of the first session was “The Way Forward” for the displaced community. Speaking on the subject, Lt. Gen. Ata Hasnain started on a positive note and shared his military experiences with the audience during his tenure in the Valley of Kashmir as in-charge of military operations there. He said that in Kashmir we have both military as well as political objectives and both must go hand in hand. The biggest military victory in the Valley is the restoration of calm on the borders and peace in the Valley. According to him, it was unfortunate that there has been no visible effort from any quarter to resettle the displaced Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley which indeed would be a major initiative in the way forward there. He, however, cautioned that the biggest enemy in Kashmir which needs to be caught by the horns is the prevention of the radicalization of society. Dr. Surinder Kaul, President KOA apprised the delegates about the collaboration between KOA and AIKS as a humble beginning to take note of the prevailing social conditions of our society in India. He further said that the leadership of both the organizations have realized an immense need for social engagements and have identified key areas to lay strong foundations of the collaboration. The Chief Guest, Shri G. Parthasarathy, in his characteristic style in the backdrop of his experience as High Commissioner of Pakistan and the impact of the changing political scenario in Kashmir, talked about the international conspiracy of keeping Kashmir as a trouble spot. He gave a broad outline of the changes that have taken place in the Valley of Kashmir and said that the reversal of changes inimical to India would largely depend on the re-settlement of displaced Kashmiri Pandits as they constitute an important component of the civil society. The obvious changes would be seen when the new governments assume charge both at the centre and in the State after the elections. He however, expressed optimism at the changing political environment in the valley. The first session concluded with the release of AIKS Vision Document and Action Plan which reads as under: Through Government and Bureaucracy:- 1. Grant of Minority Status to Kashmiri Pandits. 2. Passage of Temples and Shrines Bill 3. Rehabilitation in “All inclusive Satellite Township”. 4. “Political Empowerment” to Protect and Preserve Kashmiri Pandits’ Ethnic Identity. 5. Enhance Cash Relief, Implement Employment Package, Vacate Encroachment of Properties, etc. Through Community Initiatives – AIKS – KOA Collaboration 6. Creating Jagati Center of Excellence. 7. Promoting Shardapeeth Virtual University as a Centre of Knowledge and Excellence. 8. Revival of Heritage Centers in Kashmir 9. Creating a Global E-Directory, which is country specific, city specific. 10. Creating and promoting Naad Magazine as a world class E-magazine. The Second session started with a debate on Article 370 and its relevance today. The main speakers included, Justice Anil Dev Singh (former Chief Justice, Rajasthan High Court), Ms. Sandhya Jain (Political Analyst and acclaimed columnist), Shri Arun Kumar (Director, J&K Study Centre) and Col. Tej. K. Tikoo (Vice President, AIKS). The tone of the discussion was set by the presentation of Col. Tej Tikoo who extensively quoted from the section of Article 370 from his book “Kashmir-its Aborigines and their exodus”. He was of the view that the time has come when the political class needs to introspect about the futility of Article 370. Justice Anil Dev Singh, former Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court started with the narration of horrific experiences of partition and the killings in Mirpur, a part of PoK. Normally, Kashmir should have been fully integrated with India by now but Article 370 stands like a wall and in today’s world, the strength of India will always be tested by its capacity to merge Kashmir with the mainstream India by scrapping Article 370. The focus of Ms. Sandhya Jain’s observation was that the validity and the relevance of Article 370 should be examined by the Supreme Court. The truth, too often distorted by politicians of the state is that the constitution of J&K is governed by relevant provisions of constitution of India and Article 370 therein was always intended to be of temporary nature, she said. She concluded with the remarks that it needs to be revisited in its totality. Shri Arun Kumar, Director, J&K Study Centre gave an insight about the Constitution of India and a reluctant section of the society in Kashmir who are always raising the bogey of disputed status of Kashmir even though the constitution of J&K clearly mentions that J&K is an integral part of India. He emphasized the need to generate a debate about the futility of the Article 370, which was important for all the people of the State to enjoy the fruits of development. On this occasion, Kashmir Gaurav Sammaan, the prestigious AIKS Awards instituted this year, were conferred on this year’s Padma Shri Awardees from J&K – Shri Bansi Kaul, Shri Jawahar Lal Kaul and Prof. Ved Kumari Ghai. The Award was also conferred on eminent personalities like Dr K. L. Chowdhury, the eminent physician and social activist, Shri Ashoke Pandit, well known social activist and film maker and the Kashmiri Medical Emergency and Charitable Trust. The meeting concluded with a presentation on the AIKS affiliates status by Shri Maharaj Pajan and expression of gratitude by Shri Vijay Aima. - Dr. Romesh Raina Gen. Secretary
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 05:41:07 +0000
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