[Reader-list] Sarswat Brahmins to re-assert claim over Kashmir in 3rd KP World Conference

[Pawan Durani]

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http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/09apr09/state.htm#24

Excelsior Correspondent

*JAMMU, Apr 8: *The two- day long third World Conference of Kashmiri Pandits
to be held at Jammu on April 11 and 12 will forcefully focus on the separate
homeland demand for over seven lakh exiled Pandits in Valley with Union
Territory status.

This was stated by PK convenor, Agnishekhar during an informal chat with
mediapersons here today. He said besides the homeland the other issues
confronting the community and people of Jammu and Ladakh regions who too
have been subjected to constant discrimination over the years will also be
raised.

He said one session will be devoted to Jammu region to focus on the issues
facing the people here. To establish their claim on Kashmir the
representatives of 55 lakh Sarswat Brahmins who trace their origin in
Kashmir will also participate in the conference, he added.

Besides the representatives from India the guests from US and other
countries are also participating in the conference to have thread bare
discussions on KPs problems. Besides the terrorists, Islamic fundamentalists
some forces within the administration were responsible for mass exodus of
KPs. These all agencies worked under a well knit policy, he added.

He declared that portraits on three KP icons who had played a glorious role
in stopping the mass migration including Shriya Bhat of 15th century , Kripa
Ram 17 th and Birbal Dhar 19th century will be released. These portraits
have been made by Gokal Dembi a renowned artist. Besides Holocaust Dhun made
by Kuldeep Saproo will also be played during the conference.

He said a cassette on Kashmiri rhyms and rituals dedicated by KP Sabha Pune
will also be released. The cassette is the brain child of Krishan Langoo, he
added. In addition to this J K Koul Bezan and Asha Zaru’s opera cry of
Satisar and a film on the Amarnath land agitation martyrs will also be
released, he added.

Meanwhile Dr Utpal Koul a founder member of Homeland Movement of Panun
Kashmir has assured his full support to the World Conference.