The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association here on Tuesday strongly condemned the remark made by right-wing author and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Professor Anand Ranganathan, advocating for an Israel-like solution (genocide) in Kashmir. The Association said, "It is appalling how easily and casually a particular set of people can propagate hate and bigotry under the guise of nationalism, with no repercussions."

In a statement, the National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said, "Anand Ranganathan's genocidal call for an Israel-like approach in Kashmir is absolutely pathetic and shameful. Opportunists like Anand won’t fight in any war, and won’t leave their cushy homes, but they advocate for wars, violence, and destruction as solutions. It is horrific that someone can be so hateful and capable of distorting the truth. Such statements make it impossible to find peace; they are divisive and dangerous."

"He calls for the killing and massacre of people and children, similar to what Israel is doing in Gaza, to happen in Kashmir. This is a terrorist mindset. When you are bred and soaked in hate ideology, you lose sight of humanity. Ranganathan has lost his mind, and his words subjectively defend the mass killings by Israel in Gaza. Without even understanding Kashmir, he is making absurd arguments for the same," he said.

Khuehami emphasized, "Spreading hate and calling for violence against any community is deeply reprehensible. It is both dangerous and inhumane. He is advocating for the systematic annihilation of Kashmiris. Doesn't this sort of conduct attract penal provisions for inciting hatred against minorities?"

The Association demanded that an FIR should be lodged against him for his genocidal call. "Under the guise of nationalism, he is spreading hatred and venom. People like him are a blot on society, spreading hate and division. They are the worst enemy within! Asking the Indian state to do an Israel in Kashmir is a call for genocide. He wants us (Kashmiris) to be bullied, bulldozed, malnourished, counted among the most amputated children population, women to be raped, land to be grabbed, and ethnic cleansing. Equating Israel's actions in Gaza with a solution for Kashmir is advocating for violence and displacement, not peace. This rhetoric promotes genocide and suffering."

The Association stated, "Forces that have been romancing and toying with hateful narratives and rhetoric solely for polarizing will sink this country. People like Anand want Kashmir without Kashmiris. His statement is not just inflammatory but poses a real threat to peace and harmony in our society. Advocating for genocide is a criminal act, and it must be treated as such under Indian law."

The Association firmly denounced Anand Ranganathan's statements and demanded immediate legal action against him. Khuehami said, "We hope the sane people of India will come out against this genocidal appeal against Kashmiris on a national news platform. People of India must unite against such toxic and divisive rhetoric and ensure that our society remains peaceful, inclusive, and just for all its members."

"People of the country must reject such dangerous calls and work towards true justice and reconciliation. No one should defend the indefensible. We urge the Government of India, people across party lines, and civil society to take strong note of such individuals and their hateful ideology. Such genocidal rhetoric should be condemned nationwide, and measures should be taken to prevent its spread. Your collective silence in the face of such hatred makes us complicit. We must stand together to protect the values of peace, unity, and diversity that our nation upholds," it added.

SRINAGAR — The All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has raised concerns regarding the absence of Sikh representation in autonomous bodies such as the Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and Jammu & Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB).

In a press release issued today, the APSCC called upon Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to appoint honest and upright Sikh officers to these crucial positions.

Jagmohan Singh Raina, Chairman of APSCC, emphasized the need for inclusion, stating that there are numerous qualified Sikh officers capable of serving on the JKPSC and JKSSB. Raina expressed disappointment over what he described as ongoing discrimination against the Sikh community, citing their exclusion from key decision-making bodies as evidence.

"For decades, Sikhs in Jammu & Kashmir have faced systemic discrimination in all aspects of life. Previous administrations have neglected the Sikh community, and unfortunately, the current situation remains unchanged," Raina remarked.

Raina urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to prioritize Sikh representation in Jammu & Kashmir's autonomous bodies, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity. He also highlighted the absence of any specific employment initiatives tailored to the Sikh community in the union territory.

SRINAGAR — Expressing concern over the turmoil in Poonch, the Jammu Muslim Front stressed the need for the army to establish rapport with vulnerable communities affected by violence.

Shuja Zaffar, Chairman of the Jammu Muslim Front, conveyed distress over the tragic loss of both army personnel and civilians in Poonch. In a statement to The Kashmir Pulse, Zaffar emphasized the imperative for the army to cultivate a community-oriented environment and take action against those targeting innocent civilians.

"We appeal to the army top brace to create a public-friendly environment and initiate action against those who target innocent civilians. People living in far-flung areas of Poonch and Rajouri are peace-loving and trust the integrity and discipline of the army," he said.

He further added, "The unfortunate killing of civilians is bound to create a trust deficit. We appeal to people at the helm of affairs to initiate action against those who try to malign the image of the army."

Highlighting the vulnerability of innocent civilians, Zaffar demanded stern action against those responsible for attacks on the army and civilians in the guise of combating militancy.

He expressed hope that the army would extend support to families affected by the recent incidents following militant attacks.

BIJBEHARA — PDP President Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said that after the abrogation of Article 370, BJP will now abrogate the Constitution of India and they are going to replace the tricolour with a saffron flag.

Speaking on the death anniversary of her father and the former chief minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed at Daro Shikoh Bagh in Bijbehara, she, as per the news agency KNO, said that BJP which abrogated the Constitution of J&K will abrogate the Constitution of India and those who snatched our flag will replace the flag of India with ‘Bagwa’ flag.

She recalled that during her chief ministership, she withdrew FIRs against 12000 youth, announced a ceasefire for one month, and dropped two BJP ministers for Kathua rape and murder case. "But currently, arrested youth are being shifted to outside jails and their families aren't in a position to meet them."

“Youth are being arrested, land is being snatched and businessmen are being raided just because they are Kashmiri. BJP has started a war against Kashmiris on the pretext of land acquisition. This action is not against corrupt or wrong people but is against a common Kashmiri,” Mehbooba added.

She said that her party will take every step to take people out of this situation. She said that the late Mufti Mohammad Syed believed in the idea of secular India and was a staunch supporter of Gandhi's India.

“BJP has bulldozed the Constitution of India while the court and media aren't being allowed to work freely. There was a time when the Court even gave judgement against Prime Minister Indra Gandhi and now Chief Justice of India says Courts are scared of giving clean chit to innocents,” she said.

"There was a time when the media was highlighting everything, be it communal riots or other issues but today it has forgotten its duty," Mehbooba added.

SRINAGAR — Days after Rubaiya Sayeed, sister of Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti, identified Yasin Malik as her abductor in 1989, Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone on Tuesday said that Malik deserves a fair trial.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a party function here, Lone said that Malik deserves a fair trial. “He should be given a fair trial. Justice cannot be a one-sided affair,” he told reporters, as per news agency KNO.

To a question about the identification of Malik and three others by Rubaiya Sayeed in the special CBI Court Jammu, Lone said it is their decision, “but those getting people identified and indicted don’t have the right to talk about reconciliation and dialogue”.

“They have every right to identify and indict those involved. But those identifying and indicting people have no moral right to talk about reconciliation and dialogue. Priyanka Gandhi even forgave the killers of her own father,” Lone said.

After Rubaiya Sayeed identified Malik and three others as her abductors, Mehbooba Mufti said she did her duty as per law.

Lone was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function organized by Peoples Conference to welcome former deputy director of Health Services Kashmir, Dr Bashir Chalkoo from Uri into the party fold.

SRINAGAR — The National Conference on Friday broke its silence on 'The Kashmir Files', saying while the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits was a "stain on Kashmiriyat", the movie was far from the truth as the film-makers have ignored the sacrifices of the Muslims and Sikhs who had also suffered from militancy.

Vice President of the party and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said that if 'The Kashmir Files' was a commercial movie, no one has an issue, but if the film-makers claim that it is based on reality, then the facts are the other way round.

"When the unfortunate incident of Kashmiri Pandit migration took place, Farooq Abdullah was not the chief minister. Jagmohan was the Governor. It was V P Singh's government at the Centre which was supported by the BJP from outside," Abdullah told reporters in Damhal Hanji Pora area of Kulgam district in south Kashmir.

Abdullah wondered why this fact was kept away from the movie. "Don't manipulate the truth. It's not the right thing. If Kashmiri Pandits have fallen victims to terrorism, we have utmost regret about that, but let us not forget the sacrifices of Muslims and Sikhs who were also targeted by the same gun," he said.

Abdullah said that some of those from the majority community were yet to return. "Today, there is a need to create an atmosphere where we could bring back all those who had left their homes and not create a communal divide," he said.

The former chief minister said an atmosphere would be created for the return of Kashmiri Pandits. "But I do not think that those people who have made this movie, want them (Kashmiri Pandits) to return. Through this picture, they want Pandits to remain outside always," he said.

Abdullah later took to Twitter and said, "The pain and suffering of 1990 and after can not be undone. The way Kashmiri Pandits had their sense of security snatched from them and had to leave the valley is a stain on our culture of Kashmiriyat. We have to find ways to heal divides and not add to them."

While replying to one of the tweets by a Kashmiri Pandit about the reasons for a long silence, Abdullah reminded him saying "…I've been saying it for years now, both as CM and out of office. Perhaps you weren't paying attention to what I was saying then. I've been a long time advocate of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to look in all that happened from 1990 onwards."

Earlier, in his address, Abdullah said attempts were being made to defame a community across the world. "A common Kashmiri is not happy with what happened 32 years ago, that people were made to leave the Valley. Today, an impression is being created that all Kashmiris are communal, that all Kashmiris do not bear the people from other religions. What will be achieved by this? Will it make the road easier for their return?" he asked.

"I am afraid that the hatred which is being created against Kashmiri Muslims today, God forbid, our children studying outside the state, should not bear its brunt," he said.

During his tenure as the chief minister, Abdullah had advocated setting up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to go into the events unfolding since the onset of militancy.