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IKF demands Abrogation of Article 370

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From Fremont, CA (USA), August 26, 2008

IKF demands Abrogation of Article 370

A Press Conference, initiated by International Kashmir Federation (IKF), global organization of Kashmiri Hindus, was held in Fremont temple on Tuesday August 26, 2008 to discuss the issue of Amarnath and situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The supporting organizations that have been in the forefront to support issues related to Hindus and the peaceful global community, came again in the support of this burning cause. The following prominent organizations were present.

Federation of Indo-Americans (FIA)
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (USA).
Overseas Friends of BJP (USA)
Bharati Tamil Sangam
Bay Area Maharashtra Mandal
Bay Area Telugu Association
Sunnyvale Hindu Temple
Fremont Hindu Temple
Indo American Society of Bay Area
National Federation of Indian Associations (NFIA)
Indo-American Community Federation (IACF-USA)
International Kashmir Federation (IKF)
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh(HSS)
Samskrit Bharati
Friends of India Society International (FISI)
Hindu American Foundation (HAF)
Rajasthan Association (RANA)
India Fellowship

Nearly 500 Hindus assembled in the Fremont temple to listen to speakers who spoke on behalf of their organizations. Community members in the audience were very saddened and frustrated by the situation in Jammu and Kashmir State and responded very loudly and in one voice to the four resolutions, which were presented for their consideration. A White Paper was submitted to the media at the Press Conference, which was held after the meeting with public.

“It is because of these individuals and organizations that International Kashmir Federation (IKF) has been able to place Kashmir and Kashmiri Hindu plight on the map of the U.S., by letting factual reasons for Kashmiri Hindu exodus in 1989/90 known to mainstream community and constantly educating the U.S State Department, lawmakers and policy makers, about the distortions and concoctions which the enemies of India and the civilized society have been portraying about Kashmir. 350,000 Kashmiri Hindus, also called Pandits, had to flee for their lives after thousands of them were murdered in cold blood by the Islamic terrorists in early 1990. Even after 19 years, they are still living like refugees in their own country. Alas, the Government of India is sleeping and silent!” the White Paper reads.

“Kashmir once again has been turned upside down by the Kashmiri Muslims in the wake of their conspiracy against the official attempts to build temporary shelters to facilitate the pilgrimage of Hindus visiting the world famous Amarnath Cave of Lord Shiva.

The wild protests in the Kashmir valley to the temporary lease of forestland to Shri Amar Nath Shrine Board (SASB) makes a sad and painful portrayal of the exclusivist, and illogical mindset that rules the roost in Kashmir.

The well-planned and calculated yet gruesome attacks of terror that struck the heart of India between July 25 and July 26, 2008 left scores of people dead, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The serial bomb blasts that were triggered by the Islamic terrorist groups in more than two dozen significant places including Bangalore, India’s Silicon Valley and Ahmedabad, the capitol of the economically prosperous state of Gujarat, within a span of 24 hours, were intentionally aimed at breaking the resolve of the Indian people to fight terror in all its forms.

The hideous nature of the attackers is evident from the fact that they chose to attack even the hospitals where grievously injured were being treated.

These unprecedented and oft repeated terrorist acts are nothing short of attacks on humanity and the citadels of civilized world. Terrorism knows no boundaries or nationalities. It is a menace that needs to be uprooted. The international body and the world community need to unequivocally condemn these dastardly acts and not remain mute spectatators.

The organizations, signatory to this Brief, are taking the opportunity to highlight the Jammu and Kashmiri Hindu victims of terrorism who have been denied the basic human right of worship and denied appropriate facilities to the Hindu pilgrims to Amarnath Shrine.

In direct violations of the Constitution of India and the United Nations Charter, the Kashmiri politicians are denying the basic human right of worship to Hindus. They are also purposely creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and insecurity so that like Hindus and Sikhs of Kashmir region, the Hindus of Jammu and adjoining cities feel extremely unsafe and helpless and are forced to leave their homes and hearths en mass. The second version of exodus of the non-Muslim minorities from the Jammu region is seen by fundamentalists as a new opportunity of land and property grab in the ongoing civilization war. This is also aimed at to expand the plan of Islamic colonization of Kashmir beyond the territory of the valley of Kashmir.

Today, Kashmir is being openly and boldly divested of its Hindu heritage and is being made more Islamic by changing names of the places and rewriting history. Denying Sri Amarnath Board land for the pilgrimage is manifestation of this Kashmiri Muslim politicians mind-set and historic intent to cleanse Kashmir of non-Muslim symbols.

Are we aware of the amenities provided to Haj yatris by the Govt. of India? Do we know how many corers of rupees GOI pays for Haj subsidies? Why should Kashmiri Muslims oppose giving better amenities to Amarnath Yatris? Why do Kashmiri Muslims consider Hindus as tress passers and would allow them only as visitors? Why can’t Kashmiri Muslims tolerate their own Kashmiri Hindu Brethren with whom they have lived for centuries?

This struggle has exposed the ugly communal face of separatist forces operating in the state. The agitation in Jammu has also torn down the veil of hypocrisy of government of India. Behind this veil Govt. of India has always concealed its preferences to surrender to Muslim communalism.

The expressions of the Muslim leaders in Valley and mobilization of people behind fundamentalist and communal banners once again vindicates our stand that the political class in Valley continues to reject co-existence as a cardinal principal of life.” the White Paper continues to read.

All the organizations and the 500 community members present supported the following just demands of Amarnath Shrine Board Sangharsh Committee in Jammu:

Urge the GOI to reinstate the transfer of 40 hectares of forestland approved by former Governor Sinha and by G.N. Azad Government, to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), to construct facilities for the pilgrims.
Encourage the GOI to establish Truth and Reconciliation Commission in order to evaluate its present policies of inaction, appeasement and nepotism thus allowing the country move forward and save innocent Hindu lives.
Compensate the victims and the families of Jammu Bandh.
Honor the sacrifice of Shaheed Kuldip Dogra and Kamaljeet Chaudhry.

The following four resolutions were passed unanimously:

First – Abrogate Article 370, special status denying Indian citizens ownership of land in their own country whereas all Kashmiris can live and own property in any part of India.
Second - demanding that the Indian Government, launch an all out war against all brands of terrorists in the country and cut their life support systems.
It must also warn of dire consequences against the in and outside sources, agencies and countries that support these terrorist adventures;
Third - call upon all the nationalist and patriotic organizations in the country for putting up a united front against these subversives. They must also declare their unwavering resolve for combating and defeating all attempts for fundamentalization and Talibanization of India. They must commit themselves for maintaining the real secular character of India in which all communities have opportunity and freedom to perform their justifiable roles;
Fourth - Government of India to desist from any maneuvers to accord legitimacy to any form of Muslim separatism be it secession to Pakistan, Independence, shared sovereignty or autonomy;

Every speaker lambasted the Government of India for its inaction and double standards. India’s true potential as a pluralistic democracy can be realized when all people live under uniform laws, and no state enjoys special privileges that excludes others;

The youth in the audience were energized and formed a committee, to get involved in campaigning against the atrocities met by the victims in Jammu and Kashmir State. A meeting will be held in the temple on September 4, 2008 to plan future activities.

The White Paper and the proceeds of the meeting in the temple are being mailed to the U.S. lawmakers and to Government officials in India. A copy will also be sent to the Embassy of India and local consulate along with United Nations.

Thank you.
Jeevan Zutshi, (510) 589-3702
Convener, International Kashmir Federation (IKF)
Director, Federation of Indo-Americans (FIA of Northern California)
Director, National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA)
www.indocommunity.us

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