Funerals of both the parents took place on the same day in our house
Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) : On 9th August, a rally was organized jointly by Bharat Raksha Manch, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) and Panun Kashmir, as part of the movement called ‘Ek Bharat Abhiyan – Kashmir ki Ouur’. Sou. Archana Kak, a Kashmiri Hindu refugee narrated her experiences during the program which stunned the hall and many had tears in their eyes after listening to her heart-rending experience. She said,
“Today when I read the posters about this rally on rehabilitation of Kashmiri Hindus, I couldn’t control myself and am here. While talking I may not be able to hold back my tears; so please try to understand me. My father was known as an honest, patriotic police officer in Jammu-Kashmir police department. He was never afraid although he received many threats from fanatic ‘jihadi’ Muslims. He continued serving the nation through his job. As if that was his crime; one day, few police officers brought home his dead body covered in a tri-colour. I was 7 years old and my brother was 5 years. We never knew what happened to him; but I still remember that day. My mother, who was very religious lady, just could not bear the sight. That chaste woman could not bear the shock and was immediately died of shock. That day, two funerals were taken from our house and we lost our childhood.
In the background of my father serving in police department, our relatives and Hindu neighbours did not want to take our responsibility; so as to avoid any kind of danger. They had fear that if they looked after children of policemen, jihadis would target them. We suffered in the bargain. Every day, we used to have food in different homes and were trying to complete our education. One day when I was going on a street, I saw two young men coming towards me. They showed me the weapons they were carrying and threatened me to become either a Muslim or leave Kashmir. I couldn’t say a word as I was terrified. My body became cold and after that incident, we left Kashmir and went to stay with our distant relative in Jammu. We went to Delhi for higher education and today, we are somehow trying to settle down here (in Odisha). Whatever happened in my house, also happened in other houses. Many lives were destroyed. Kashmiri Hindu women were physically abused. Kashmiri Hindus faced so much of hardships that nobody should ever face in life. I am therefore, ready to devote time for the ‘Ek Bharat’ Abhiyan. – Sou. Archana Kak, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat
