UK MP terms mass exodus of Pandits unprecedented human tragedy

JAMMU, Sept 18: Terming the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from Valley in 1989-90 an unprecedented human tragedy, Marcus Jones MP of United Kingdom has  said the response of the UK Government to this tragedy was inadequate. Addressing a largely attended seminar organized by Indo-European Kashmir Forum (IEKF) at London on the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Hindus recently, Mr Jones appreciated the IEKF’s initiative of organizing the seminar to highlight the plight of the displaced Pandits from Kashmir.

A handout issued by IEKF said Mr Jones  presented a forceful and passionate assertion that for the ethnic minority, to remain in exile for over two decades, is shameful. It is the solemn responsibility of the Indian Government and the international community to effectively and decisively to effectively address to the short term and long term concerns of Kashmiri Pandits. “I am indeed pained with your plight and the struggle that you have endured for the last two decades. Your dignified and structured return will be litmus test both for the local administration and all stakeholders’’, Mr Jones said.

Among the key note speakers in the seminar also included Andrew Griffiths another MP of UK, Krishana Bhan, president IEKF, Vijay Sazawal International Coordinator of IAKF, ICKF and IEKF, Moti Kaul president AIKS, Raj Pandit president of UK Priest Association, Bharti Tailor, president of the Hindu Forum of Europe, Vivek Kaul, member IEKF, Shantanu Bhagwat, former Diplomat of India Gopal Krishana Rao, representative of Kanchi Kamoti in Chnnai, Surinder Sharma former president of Overseas Friends of BJP in UK and Chandan Kotwal Executive Member IEKF. Krishna Bhan highlighted the continued apathy towards the aborigines and also highlighted the KPs heritage in the form of temples and shrines that stand in ruins today. She further stated that the race stands at the verge of extinction.

Vijay Sazawal said that it is high time for the Untied Nation Security Council to close the Kashmir file by announcing its intension to declare the ceasefire line as the International boundary and ask India and Pakistan to settle adjustments along LoC.

Moti Kaul lambasted both Centre and State Governments for responding to the issues concerning displaced Pandits.

Source:http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/