The Diplomat Desk
Jammu : TDD,The 33rd National Homeland Day Convention, hosted by Panun Kashmir at the historical Kangra Fort in Barnai, Jammu, became a poignant yet powerful reminder of the Kashmiri Hindu community’s unwavering commitment to justice, recognition, and their dream of a secure homeland. This year’s event, themed “Kashmiri Hindus Caught Between Jehad and Denial of Genocide”, brought together prominent political figures, intellectuals, human rights activists, and artists from across India to collectively voice the community’s ongoing struggles and aspirations. The event, which marked 33 years since the historic Margdarshan Resolution, resonated with the heartache, courage, and resilience of those who have lived through the atrocities and displacement since 1990.
The event started with Ganesh Stuti followed by lamp lighting ceremony.The convention was expertly hosted by Akriti Raina and Adv. Vishwaranjan Pandita, who ensured the smooth flow of the event.
The opening remarks were delivered by Shaliendra Aima, Vice Chairman of Panun Kashmir, who welcomed the esteemed guests and set the tone for the day’s proceedings. His words highlighted the significance of the gathering and the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition.
The convention commenced with an emotionally charged opening, reminding everyone present of the historical significance of this day. The event unfolded as a combination of thought-provoking speeches, heartfelt testimonies, and rich cultural expressions. It was a moment of reflection on the past, a reaffirmation of the community’s demands, and a collective call for action to ensure the future survival and prosperity of Kashmiri Hindus.
One of the most crucial moments of the event was the speech by Dr. Ajay Chrungoo, Chairman of Panun Kashmir. Dr. Chrungoo condemned the ongoing denial of the genocide faced by Kashmiri Hindus, criticizing both the state’s indifference and the world’s silence. He made it clear that the fight for justice wasn’t merely about land but about acknowledging the pain and suffering that the community has endured. He reaffirmed the Margdarshan Resolution which calls for the creation of a separate Union Territory east and north of Vitasta, specifically for the permanent rehabilitation of Kashmiri Hindus. He emphasized that such a move was not just an aspiration but a necessity, given the continuing threat of jihadist violence and the inability of the current political establishment to address the community’s plight.
Former Director General of Police Dr. SP Vaid delivered a powerful address, providing an insightful analysis of the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Drawing on his vast experience in the region, Dr. Vaid outlined how jihadist forces are continually targeting Kashmiri Hindus, and how these attacks are spilling over into Jammu. He described the Dhangri massacre, which occurred in the Rajouri-Poonch region, as a direct consequence of this unchecked violence.
“The problem of jihadist terrorism targeting Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir is not a localized issue; it is a widespread, persistent threat that continues to escalate under the very eyes of those who are meant to protect us,” Dr. Vaid remarked. He criticized the Indian government’s policy of denial, stressing that the government’s refusal to acknowledge the jihadist, religiously motivated violence that fuels the genocide is a grave injustice to the community. Dr. Vaid’s words were both an analysis and a call to action, urging the government to confront the ideological forces behind the violence and to provide Kashmiri Hindus the protection and justice they deserve.
A key highlight of the convention was the lecture delivered by Colonel R.S.N. Singh, an expert on security affairs and a prominent political analyst. Colonel Singh addressed the gathering with a thought-provoking lecture on the broader context of the challenges facing Indian Hindus, particularly in the face of rising extremism and the ongoing threats to their safety and cultural identity. His insights were not just a call for immediate action to safeguard the rights and security of Kashmiri Hindus but also a broader commentary on the struggle of Hindus across the nation. He stressed the need for unity among all Hindu communities and underscored the importance of a cohesive national strategy to combat the growing forces of violence and intolerance. His speech resonated deeply with the attendees, serving as both a reminder of the ongoing battle and an inspiring call to stand firm in the fight for justice and survival.
Other key speakers included Nitin Dhar, a young leader, who passionately spoke about the plight of displaced Kashmiri Hindus and the urgency of recognizing their suffering. Nitin emphasized the need for the youth to be at the forefront of the struggle for the recognition of the genocide and the establishment of a homeland. “We are not merely survivors of an attack; we are the inheritors of a rich cultural legacy. Our struggle is not just to survive but to thrive, to ensure that our children grow up in a world where they can proudly say they are Kashmiri Pandits, ” he declared, as the crowd erupted in applause.
Kulshi Pandita, another prominent women leader, highlighted the deep emotional and psychological toll of exile on the community and role of women in the struggle, urging the government to end the discriminatory practices that continue to stigmatize the displaced population. “For too long, we have been treated as mere statistics,migrants’ without dignity. We are not migrants; we are genocide survivors,” Kulshi asserted, drawing attention to the detrimental impact of this label on the community’s identity and morale. His remarks struck a chord with the audience, reminding everyone of the need to reclaim their narrative and demand recognition.
In his virtual address to the 33rd National Convention on Homeland Day, Dr. Abhinav Pandya, an expert on terrorism and terror finances, highlighted the deep-rooted challenges faced by the Kashmiri Hindu community. He emphasized that the ongoing violence is not only fueled by terror groups but also by global networks that finance and sustain these militant activities. Dr. Pandya called for urgent action to dismantle these terror-financing systems, stressing that the fight for the survival of Kashmiri Hindus is not just against physical violence but against a broader global infrastructure enabling terrorism. He concluded by urging the Indian government to take decisive steps to address this critical issue for the safety and justice of the community.
Advocate Sanjay Raina also spoke at length about the legal and constitutional aspects of the turmoil. He meticulously addressed the legal challenges that Kashmiri Hindus face in the context of their displacement, the denial of their genocide, and their battle for a homeland. “The law must serve justice, not just for the victims of today but for the generations that have endured and suffered. The right to return and live with dignity in one’s homeland is not a privilege, it is a fundamental right,” Adv. Raina stated, making a compelling case for the legal recognition of the genocide and the restoration of the community’s land and rights.
Amidst the solemn reflections and speeches, the convention also featured remarkable cultural performances, underscoring the strength and unity of the Kashmiri Pandit community. Rajesh Khar and Party delivered a soulful rendition of Kashmiri folk songs, transporting the audience to a time before exile; a time when Kashmiri Hindus thrived in their ancestral homeland. Their music was a poignant reminder of the cultural richness that was lost during the exodus.
Ramesh Zafran and Party followed with traditional Kashmiri music which filled the atmosphere with energy and vibrancy. The performance was not only a celebration of Kashmiri Pandit culture but also a symbol of the community’s unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.
The convention also saw the adoption of two key resolutions, which were introduced by Anantaditya Aima. These resolutions are a direct response to the ongoing struggles and demands of Kashmiri Hindus. The first resolution strongly condemns the denial of the genocide and calls for urgent measures to address the ongoing jihadist violence targeting the community. It reaffirms the commitment to the Margdarshan Resolution, demanding the creation of a separate Union Territory for the permanent rehabilitation of Kashmiri Hindus. The second resolution deals with the state’s apathy towards displaced Kashmiri Hindus, urging the Indian government to withdraw the humiliating “migrant” label and to take immediate action to enhance relief measures, provide security for PM-package employees, and create employment opportunities in Jammu.
The day concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Tito Ganju, who expressed deep gratitude to all the participants and speakers. Ganju acknowledged the significant contributions of all those who have fought for the cause of Kashmiri Hindus and reaffirmed the collective resolve to not rest until justice is served.
“The road ahead may be long, but we will continue our fight for justice, dignity, and a secure homeland. We are united in our cause, and together, we will make our voices heard,” Tito Ganju said, as the crowd erupted into applause.
As the convention came to a close, the collective spirit of unity, resilience, and determination filled the air. The 33rd National Homeland Day Convention was not just a reflection of the past but a resolute declaration of the Kashmiri Hindu community’s commitment to their future; a future where they will live with dignity, justice, and the homeland they rightfully deserve.TDD
