News and Events
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International Conference
Remembrance for Victims of 9-11 and Islamic terrorism in Kashmir USA, September 11,2011 |
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On September 14, 1989 Islamic terrorists killed a Kashmiri Hindu in Srinagar. Many were brutally murdered after that and within a few months, more than 400,000 Kashmiri Hindus had been forced out of Kashmir. Like September 11, September 14 will be a date which will be remembered for infamous acts.
Shehjar, a widely read monthly for Kashmiris and those interested in Kashmir, arranged a remembrance meeting on September 11, 2011 for victims of terrorism in Kashmir during which the kin of victims spoke about their lost loved ones, narrated events of the time and from their personal lives. Other speakers explained how the two dates and events were connected, with the loss of many lives through the dangers of unchecked religious fundamentalism. The most touching aspects were the stories of the victims and how some of them have dedicated efforts in the service of other victims while trying to rebuild their own lives. The rise of cross border and Islamic terrorism in the Kashmir Valley made the Kashmiri Hindus easy targets of communal elements. With the local administration being complicit or inactive, a large, organized and sustained campaign was unleashed against them, which created many hapless victims. These are our martyrs, who paid the ultimate price for merely belonging to a religion. Let us remember some of the victims and what happened then with the hope that something can be done so that it does not happen again”, said Deepak Ganju.
Lot happened during 1989/1990 to Kashmiri Hindus. We saw so much violence. We saw so much indifference. We continue to see that indifference. No human rights organization has ever highlighted the plight of Kashmiri Hindus. The world community including the Indian government has remained silent. It will go down as the biggest failure of mankind to ignore such a tragedy”, said Ankit Monga, President of the Kashmir Hindu Foundation. “Indifference can be tempting. More than that, seductive. It is so much easier to look away from victims”, warned Ankit.
Vivek Raina, whose father was one of the first victims of terrorist’s violence explained how he founded of Youngs India, an organization that continues to serve the most needy among the displaced Kashmiri Hindus, during the worst time of his life, even as he was dealing with his own loss as a young schoolboy. “I have really been someone who wanted to grow into a person who could help other people in need. I could have gone in a wrong direction because of the tragedy that happened in my life. I lost my father who was very close to me and dear to me. A person can take to the wrong path if he or she has gone through pain, agony, tough time, anger and trauma. I could have lead my life to hell but instead I always tried to lead myself into positive energy and received encouragement from several people during the course. Whatever happens, make yourself whole every time and live every day with a positive attitude.”, said Vivek Raina.
Sunil Shakdher, a leading activist of the Kashmiri Hindu community and head of the S.K. Foundation spoke at the event and addressed the participants, delivering a message of hope and challenge.
On behalf of Shehjar, Arun Koul thanked the speakers, participants and other organizers. The meeting concluded with a note that the Sept 11, 2011 attacks on America and September 14, Martyrs day of Kashmiri Hindus should always remain in our mind and their victims in our prayers. “Do not forget the victims. If we don't learn from history, we are doomed” were the concluding remarks.
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You are doing a fantastic job....it is truly noble.
Added By Ravinder Tikoo
It is an commendable effort by the Team Shehjar. We would have attended this conference if we knew about it.
Added By Sidharth Raina