On Sunday, 18th January, people from all over London and around joined the Peace Walk organised by Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society, UK in large numbers including several Kashmiri Hindu families, most of who have been direct victims of the forced exodus in the harsh winter of 1989-90. It was an emotionally charged atmosphere that brought back the haunting memories of their pain. To offer support and solidarity to their brothers and sisters, a number of other Hindu community members joined in and extended their support.
A Memorial Event was organised the next day at the House of Commons, supported by the All Party Parliamentary Group of British Hindus, co-sponsored by Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East) and Virendra Sharma MP (Southall & Ealing), to offer tribute to the martyrs of the forced exodus. The KPCS, UK released a book of first person accounts of victims of the exodus, living in England called “We Remember: 19.01.1990”.
A special screening of a poignant film, “Abandoned Cranes” was held. The film is made by a young Indian law student & film maker, Siddhartha Acharya (23 years old) who captured the factual sequences of events during the exodus –an attempt to document facts of the Kashmri Hindus’ displacement. The film features interviews of the likes of Mark Tully, Francois Gautier, Jagmohan, some militants and key Kashmiri Hindu and other activists.
At the Memorial Event, members of the Yezdi community and representatives of Bangladeshi Hindu community shared their stories, which are starkly similar to that of the Kashmiri Hindus plight. A solemn reflection and sharing of personal experiences provided for the first time a formal platform, for the recognition of ethnic extermination of minority Hindus around the world.
Lakshmi Kaul, Founder & Executive Member, Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society UK, said: “It is very important for the international community to recognise and accept that the genocide of the Kashmiri Hindus is infact a matter of global concern – it ought to be acknowledged and justice sought and delivered accordingly.”
Trupti Patel, the first ever woman President of the Hindu Forum of Britain said, “HFB stands hand in hand with our Kashmiri Hindu brothers and sisters. We must not forget thousands of Hindus who lost their life and also those who suffered horrific atrocities during the ethnic cleansing of Kashmir.”
Madhava Turumella, Vice President, Hindu Forum of Britain said, "Kashmiri Hindu Pundits are living like refugees in their own country. Perhaps this kind of misery only Yazidis in Iraq are facing. This situation is not acceptable. I urge the Government of India to take all necessary steps to restore the dignity and the homes of Kashmiri Pundits."
Neetu Jalali, Kashmiri Hindu victim of 1990 exodus, resident of London, said, “For the first time after years, I witnessed passion, enthusiasm and hope.”
Dr. Ashish Tyagi, from Colchester said, “It has been 25 long years in search of justice - felt good joining and walking for a good cause.”
