GKPD delegation meets Union Minister Hansraj Ahir

New Delhi: A Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora delegation under the leadership of Col Tej Tikoo met the Union Minister of state for home affairs Sh.Hansraj Ahir, today at 2 Safdarjung Lane.

On behalf of GKPD the delegation comprised of: Col Tej Tikoo AIKS, Sanjay Ganjoo JKVM, M.K.Machama KMWA Indrapuram, Dr. Raj Kachroo KKS Gurgaon, Dr S.K.Handoo KSS Faridabad, Amit Raina RIK, Munish Jalali RIK, Kuldeep Koul Kashmiri Sabha NOIDA, Dr. Surinder Koul GKPD core committee, Prof. Renuka Dhar GKPD committee and Dr Shafalica Bhan Kotwal KPCS UK.

Col Tikoo addressed the Minister and apprised him of the current situation of Kashmiri Pandits and our disappointment that since our exodus no steps have been taken to meet any of our demands. He reminded the minister that we have a 5000 year old history and are important stakeholders in Kashmir. We have strong faith in the leadership of PM Modi and would like the home minister to deliver our memorandum to him which has been signed by KP organizations in India and across the globe. He also told him that the same memorandum is being presented today on the pious occasion of Balidan Diwas to GOI representatives in major Indian cities (Jammu, Mumbai, Jaipur, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Pune) and high commissions and consulates across the world (US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Finland, Germany) in the spirit of one voice, one community, one demand.

Dr Surinder Koul then read the memorandum to the minister. He also apprised the minister that the community aspirations outlined in the Margdarshan resolution 1991 have remained unfulfilled till date.

The minister was very supportive of our views and said that the current government is committed to support the Kashmiri Pandits. He acknowledged that so far the govt. may not have been able to meet the expectations of the community but the efforts are on.

He said he was pleased that the delegates had come to meet him with a unified set of demands which he is happy to pass to the home minister and the PM. He further added that the process that has started now shall remain ongoing and he will ensure that regular meetings are scheduled between GKPD representatives and GOI over the coming months. The delegates thanked him for his support and his time.