Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Feb 3: A delegation from All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS), led by its president Ravinder Pandita, met with Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Minorities and Parliamentary Affairs, in New Delhi today. The delegation presented a memorandum seeking minority status for Kashmiri Hindus within Jammu and Kashmir and the associated benefits.
During the meeting, Rijiju acknowledged the unique situation of Kashmiri Hindus, stating that while they are a minority in the state, they are considered part of the majority at the national level—a situation similar to that in some other States. He listened attentively to the points raised by AIKS, including the demand for constituting a Minorities Commission in J&K and officially recognizing them as a minority community. The delegation also referenced the Supreme Court’s 2018 directive in a petition filed by Ankur Sharma and the recommendations of the Justice Venkatachaliah NHRC report.
Ravinder Pandita highlighted the significance of this issue, particularly in the wake of the abrogation of Article 370 and the unification of J&K. AIKS members also urged the Minister to facilitate the reopening of the Sharda Peeth in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) along the lines of the Kartarpur Corridor.
The Minister, after hearing the delegation’s concerns, suggested that a larger delegation should meet with senior officials to discuss these political issues. He assured AIKS of his support and promised to facilitate a meeting with the Home Ministry.
The AIKS team included general secretary Sunil Koul, senior vice president Vijay Kashkari, noted debater and activist Amit Raina and Shrawan Pandita. The delegation also extended an invitation to Rijiju for the International Mother Tongue Day festival, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on February 22. Additionally, they presented him with the latest issue of Naad Magazine, the official mouthpiece of AIKS.
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