‘Daughters of Panun Kashmir’ observes Vitasta Divas, Pledges for Homeland in Kashmir

Jammu, September 21 (Scoop News) – The ‘Daughters of Panun Kashmir’ organized a traditional programme on Tuesday in connection with the observance of Vitasta Divas (birthday of Vitasta) on the banks of Ranbir Canal, Jammu. Vitasta is the original name of river Jehlum.

 This tradition is being followed meticulously by the displaced community of Kashmiri Pandits in its exile for the last two decades. The programme was presided over by Moheni Raina, Chairperson-DOPK. A.N.Vaishnavi, President-ASKPC was the chief guest in the programme. A solemn pledge to continue the struggle for establishment of Homeland in Kashmir was also taken on the occasion by the audience.  Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo, President, Panun Kashmir led the people to offer Deepaks to the Vitasta. Among others who were present in the programme included S/ H.L.Chatta, Prof. M.L.Raina, Virender Raina, D.N.Kissu, Upinder Kaul, Virender Kaul, Vimla Chrungoo, Surja Moza and Anita Kachroo. The members of Vitasta Samaj Seva, Nagrota also participated in the programme.

       Mohani Raina while addressing the meeting said that Kashmiri Pandits are the indigenous people of Kashmir and have been observing the indigenous cultural traditions of Kashmir even in exile. Notwithstanding our distance from the sacred river of Kashmir valley, we have been observing the birthday of the Vitasta for the last twenty years. Its observance has filled us with the resolve that one day the community shall throng its banks once again consequent upon the creation of Homeland in the Kashmir valley. The displaced community has a natural and first right over the territory of Kashmir. The separatist elements of the valley have created an unpalatable situation for the minorities of the valley. Since we were always refused co-existence by the majority community in Kashmir therefore we have put the demand of Homeland to settle our issue of displacement once and for all.

            A.N.Vaishnavi said that the only unsettled political aspirations in the state are that of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits who have suffered genocide and exodus in their own country. Time has come that the Central government initiates a serious dialogue with the leadership of the community on this issue. I make an appeal to the community members to observe this Day even at their respective homes as a festival every year.

       Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo said that creation of Homeland in Kashmir for the Kashmir Pandit community is the only solution to strengthen the Indian sovereignty in Kashmir and safeguard the northern frontiers of India. There should be no chance left for lifting and dilution of AFSPA in the state keeping in view the volatile security situation. The security forces are meant to protect the life and liberty of a vast majority of law abiding citizens and they cannot be left at the mercy of the arsonists and terrorists. The Jammu and Kashmir government has unleashed a process of political persecution against the genuine leadership of the Kashmiri Pandit community. This issue needs a very serious debate in near future and we need to keep the momentum going so far as the struggle in exile is concerned. Vote of thanks was presented by Upinder Kaul .

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