Author: Excelsior Correspondent
Publication: Daily Excelsior
Date: September 15, 2005
URL: http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/05sep15/state.htm#10
Various functions were organised by Kashmiri
Pandits at different places here today in connection with observance of 16th
Martyrs' Day. The Day is also observed as Balidan Divas.
While Panun Kashmir took out a scooter rally
in the outskirts of Jammu City and dedicated the day to the community youth,
Jammu and Kashmir Vichar Manch (JKVM) observed the day as Sankalap Divas and
All State Kashmir Pandit Conference (ASKPC) organised a Maha Yagya in memory
of those martyrs who laid down their lives during last 16 years of turmoil
for the national cause.
The PK activists with pla-cards and banners
in their hands assembled near Zorawar Stadium here where from the rally started.
They were led by PK chairman Dr Ajay Chrangoo and its general secretary, Kuldeep
Raina.
Talking to reporters Dr Chrangoo reiterated
the Homeland demand saying it is the only solution to the Pandits' problems.
He alleged that the unemployment of Kashmiri
Pandits is not an aberration of the system but an deliberate effort to cleanse
the Kashmiri Pandits from the state administration.
The rally after passing through various colonies
and localities of Jammu culminated at Geeta Satsang Ashram Muthi with the
concluding speech of Swami Kumar Ji.
At an impressive function organised by JKVM
to remember the martyrs 30 General Council members of the organization took
a solemn oath to dedicate themselves for the services of the community in
presence of Justice (retd) B L Bhat and Swami Sachdanand Ji Mahraj.
In order to strengthen their age old bonds
with the land of Kashmir
a special pitcher of earth which was brought
from the Valley was also worshiped on the occasion by the Manch activists
who said that Kashmir is in their blood, body, mind and soul.
Addressing the function Dr R L Bhat national
vice president of the Manch stressed on the total participation of the community
in the on going struggle.
Swami Sachdanand Ji Mahraj in his address
urged the community members to unite for achieving their goal. He said there
can be ideological differences among the people but ideas should never come
as a stumbling block in the unity.Justice B L Bhat (retd) also stressed on
the unity in the rank and file of the community.
A large number of people drawn form different
parts of the City participated in Maha Yagya organised by ASKPC at Durga Nagar
on Martyrs' Day today.
The devotees were served with prashad after
Puran Ahuti. A pind dhan (immersion of cooked rice in river) was also performed
on the occasion.
Rich tributes were paid to martyrs of the
community by ASKPC chief,A N Vaishnavi, its general secretary H L Chatta,
P K convenor Dr Aghnishekhar, Sheela Handoo, corporator and M L Aash on the
occasion.
Addressing the function Dr Aghnishekhar, while
reiterating the Homeland demand said when cities like Chandigarh and NOIDA
were carved out in UP and Punjab why not a separate Homeland can be carved
out for KPs in Kashmir Valley.
In connection with observance of Balidan Divas
Shirya Bhatt Mission Hospital organised a Hepatitis B Vaccination camp at
its Mission Hospital Durganagar today.
Among others who spoke on the occasion include
Shila Handoo Corporator and Dr V K Kachroo.A handout issued by the Hospital
said that it has examined 30,000 patients during the last five years.
Two minutes silence was also observed at K
P Sabha Ambphalla during the recitation of Bhagwat Puran Katha by Dr B L Kaul
this afternoon as a mark of respect to Martyrs. The Sabha chief T N Khosa
led the community members in paying homage to martyrs on the occasion.
Rich tributes were also paid to martyrs at
a function organised by AIKS here today. Two minutes silence was also observed
in their memory.
An AIKS handout issued here today said that
Martyrs Day was also osberved in Union Capital by the organisation under the
chairmanship of M K Kaw its president. Various leaders of community including
H N Jattoo, of AIKPC, T N Razdhan president JKVM and Utpal Koul paid homage
to the martyrs on the occasion.
Another function was organised in connection
with the Balidan Diwas today by Kashmiri Migrants Protection Forum, Industrialist
Association and Kashmiri Migrants Traders Welfare Committee under the leadership
of Vijay Chicken at Shakti Ghat here.
Secular Youth Front also organised a function
at Muthi Community Hall in which rich tributes were paid to martyrs of the
community.
