Jyeshtha Shuddha Pratipada
Pune: With the objective of educating the masses about the forced exodus of Kashmiri Pandits and their demands for a union territory within Kashmir, the Panun Kashmir (Our Kashmir) organisation organised an awareness event in the Shaniwarwada grounds on Sunday. The event with a fusion cultural show of Kashmir and Maharashtra and a panel discussion was the first of events scheduled across the country.
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Photo: Dr Agnishekhar speaking at the awareness event organised on the Shaniwarwada grounds to educate Indians about the issue of Kashmiri Pandits
Speaking to Sakal Times, Dr Agnishekhar, convener, Panun Kashmir, said, “At the 3rd World Kashmiri Pandits Conference we decided there was a need for a nation-wide campaign to inform the masses about us. The intention is to create awareness about the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits, the ramifications of Islamic terrorism and our demand for a union territory status within Kashmir. We are not saying only Kashmiri Pandits can stay there. Everybody is welcome. We don’t want Article 370 in the state. We want to lead our lives as proud citizens of India but it seems that the state is seemingly in conflict with Indian civilisation.”
On the choice of Pune as a venue to start, he said, “Maharashtra was one of the first states that reached out to us. This reflects the sensitivity and broadmindedness of the Maharashtrians. We express our gratitude through this event.”
The discussion was attended by Rameshwar Maharaj Shastri, president of the Warkari Prabodhan Samiti; Ramesh Shinde, spokesperson for the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Anirudh Deshpande, principal of BMCC College; Shailaja Bharadwaj , senior leader, Panun Kasmir; Ashwin Chruncoo, co -founder, Panun Kashmir; and Vikas Matkari, BJP leader.
Source: sakaaltimes.com
