Goa– The “Vaishvik Hindu Rashtra Mahotsav” held in Goa, launched the second phase of ‘Ek Bharat Abhiyan, Chalo Kashmir Ki Aur.’ This initiative, which has garnered the endorsement of over 1000 Hindu organizations worldwide, seeks to establish a separate homeland, “Panun Kashmir,” for Kashmiri Pandits, highlighting the ongoing calls for justice and recognition of the genocide they have endured.
As per a press release issued by Youth 4 Panun Kashmir, Choudhary in his address to delegates from across the globe, emphasized Kashmir’s historical significance to Indian civilization and condemned the persistent targeted killings that have afflicted Hindu communities. He pointed to recent incidents in Jammu as evidence of the urgent need for a safe and permanent solution beyond the Kashmir Valley.
“Kashmiri Hindus have endured multiple genocides, including the devastating exodus of the 1990s,” Chowdhary stated underscoring the critical necessity of a lasting resolution. He called on the global Hindu community to unite under the ‘Ek Bharat Abhiyan’ banner, reaffirming their commitment to reclaiming the rightful homeland of Kashmiri Pandits.
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The ‘Ek Bharat Abhiyan’ is a nationwide movement advocating justice and rehabilitation. It features widespread rallies and discussions aimed at raising awareness about the genocide faced by Kashmiri Hindus.
Chowdhary expressed profound gratitude for the steadfast support of the delegates at the Hindu Rashtra Mahotsav. He urged the Indian government to formally acknowledge the genocide of Kashmiri Hindus as a historic tragedy and to enact legislation that criminalizes and punishes the perpetrators.
The convention also discussed the violence in Kashmir, highlighting Hindus as the most vulnerable group. The propagation of Sanatan Dharma in the Kashmir Valley was proposed as a crucial step toward establishing a Hindu Rashtra.
Swami Nirgunananda Puri, treasurer and branch secretary of the International Vedanta Society, Kolkata, emphasized the need to preserve Indian traditions and culture. The Vaishvik Hindu Rashtra Mahotsav stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering commitment of Hindus worldwide in seeking justice and rehabilitation for Kashmiri Pandits
The Panun Kashmir movement emerged in the 1990s in response to the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Kashmir Valley. During this period, the region experienced escalating violence, militancy, and targeted attacks against the Hindu minority population. In 1989-1990, thousands of Kashmiri Pandits were forced to flee their homes due to threats, violence, and religious persecution, leaving behind their ancestral land and cultural heritage. This large-scale exodus marked a significant moment in the history of the Kashmiri Pandit community, leading to immense hardship and displacement.
Advocating for the creation of a separate homeland within the Kashmir Valley, the Panun Kashmir movement seeks to provide safety, security, and cultural preservation for the displaced Kashmiri Pandits. The term “Panun Kashmir” translates to “Our Kashmir” in the Kashmiri language, reflecting the community’s desire to reclaim their place in the valley. Proponents of this movement argue that a separate enclave is necessary to protect the rights and heritage of the Kashmiri Pandits.