Kashmiri Pandits to observe ‘genocide day’ on Jan 19

To mark the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir, the Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD) will lead a worldwide commemoration on January 19 with a series of events in India, the US, the UK, Canada and several other countries.

On January 19, 1990, over five lakh Kashmiri Pandits were forced almost overnight to leave the valley through a genocidal campaign unleashed by the militants. 'The circumstances that forced out the entire minority of

Kashmiri Pandits/Hindus from their homeland are akin to genocide' as has been reported by the National Human rights Commission India, and now being recognised world over.

To commemorate this sad day, the Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD) in association with its partners and affiliated organisations across the globe are organising a series of events to remind the world that 30 years later justice is still awaited.

Events are being held at the Jagati camp in Jammu, where thousands of Kashmiri Pandits live continue to live after being fleeing persecution in the valley. The focus of events here also includes increasing the awareness among the children about the Kashmiri Pandit exodus, according to a statement.

In Mumbai, a seminar is being organised at Navi Mumbai and eminent speakers have been invited. In Delhi, a book reading on genocide literature by an eminent Kashmiri Pandit author has been organised at the Vasant Vihar club, and in Kolkata a similar event has been organised at the Kashmir Sabha.

In the US, events are being held in collaboration with the Indian Americans for Kashmir (IAFK). The key event is in New Jersey where a seminar is being organised with keynote speakers from various political organisations and media houses. The focus is on the 'Kashmiri Pandit genocide'. The event is being supported by hundreds of community volunteers. In Illinois a candlelight vigil will be held at the city hall in Naperville as a tribute to the innocent Kashmiri Hindus killed in 1989, 1990 and later years.