‘The seminar highlights the impact of HR violations on Kashmiri citizens over the past 3 decades’
‘Twenty one subject experts, including social activists, research scholars’, government officials, and intellectuals took part in the seminar held at BB Cantt. Srinagar
‘People from all walks of life actively participated & hailed the initiative of Indian Army by conducting such seminars’
JKNS Desk
Srinagar, Oct 21: For the first time ever a two-day seminar was held in BB Cantt. Srinagar over the gross Human Rights violations perpetuated by terrorists and the impact of those violations on the lives of people of Kashmir living under the shadow of terrorism over the past three decades.
The two-day seminar started on 20th of October, 2021 attracted a huge crowd of people from the all walks of life who shared their views and put forward their questions to the Guests attending the seminar.
The first ever active participation of locals made the event a success where exchange of words and ideas were shared without any fear and hindrance.
In the seminar twenty one subject experts marked their presence by putting forward their views and concerns on the impact of Human Rights violations exercised by terrorists operating from and across the Valley.
In an opening speech, Lt Gen DP Pandey, GOC Chinar Corps stressed upon the State being liable and accountable for up keeping high standards of Human Rights in all activities. He said that due to security concerns the Human Rights get curtailed in a conflicted region and the curtailment of the Human Rights is pushed by the terrorists’ nexus, which uses the power of the gun to establish its writ on the citizens.
He also said that, J&K has witnessed the acts of curtailment of Human Rights violations by terrorists due to threats, killings, disrupting education and economic activity and denial of freedom of speech.
Lt Gen DP Pandey, GOC Chinar Corps further added that the local, national and international HR groups and media houses, who have been rising voices on the alleged human rights in the past, have turned into mute spectators over the recent killings of eleven innocents in Kashmir.
While encouraging the audience to question and hold the Pakistan affiliates responsible for the denial of basic rights of economic activity, education, entertainment and freedom. He further remarked that the aim of the seminar is to discuss these and deliberate on the way ahead.
However, the entire seminar was based on five themes starting from, “Subjugation of Kashmiri Ecosystem by Terrorists, separatists- OGW nexus through the targeted killings and violence in Kashmir.” Lt. Gen KJS Dhillon, (JYSM, YSM, DG, DIA & DCIDS (Int), delivered a speech on Targeting of Indicators of Peace- Economy, Development, Tourism, Entertainment, Gender equality, freedom of Speech, education, & Elections.
Subjugation of Democracy by silencing /eliminating alternate leadership was conversed by Mr. Bashir Assad, followed by Mr. Owais Nanda who through light on Disruption of Communal Harmony Kashmiriyat & Social Fabric. Denial of Space to Minorities Impacting Pluralistic Kashmiri Ethos. Whileas Mr. Sheikh Yonus Amin concluded the theme 1 by delivering a speech on, Deprivation of Freedom of Speech including Denial of Space to Free Media in Kashmir.
The Theme 2 of the seminar stressed upon, “Orchestrated Mechanism of Protests to Control Levers of Daily Lives of Kashmiri Society – Perpetuation of HR Violations through Denial of Livelihood, Education and Normalization of Lives.” Mr. Owais Nanda who was a moderator took a start by delivering a speech on Calendar of Protest- Macro Strategy and how it worked. Whileas Mr. Raja Muneeb delivered a speech on its impact on Livelihood.
Methods to generate Law & Order Challenges and generate Violence to justify more Protest/Violence. Sustaining a cycle of Protests and Casualties to feed Victimhood, was discussed by Mr. Tariq Rashid Malik. Followed by Mr. Vijay Dhar who spoke about the Impact on Education. Denial of Space for Cultural and Sports avenues to Youth. Denial of Right to be Happy.
The Theme 3 stressed upon the “Impact of Terrorism on Economic Stability in Kashmir” where Mr. Aasif Umar kick started theme 3 of the seminar by shedding light over the Conflict Economy and its Beneficiaries. Followed by renowned Journalist, Ms. Aarti Tikoo who spoke on the, “Use of Drug and Weapon Mafia to Fuel and sustain Terror. Hawala Scale, Methods and Impact.”
Whileas Prof. Kulwant Singh highlighted the Control and Denial of “Equal Opportunities in Trade & Manufacturing industries detrimental to overall Economy and Employment Opportunities in J&K. Followed by Mr. Rajeev Bhatnagar who spoke on the, “Future Roadmap and Government initiatives in UT.”
The theme 4 was based on, “Systematic subversion of Women Empowerment in Kashmir” which was started with the speech by Mr. Sofi Arafat who highlighted the, “Centrality of Women in Kashmiri Society Victims of the Conflict who have been exploited for Subversive Agendas.” Followed by Mr. Umer Iqbal who throw light on the, “Subversion of Efforts at Women Empowerment and Deter Progressive Women in Society and Workforce.”
Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi in his speech stressed upon, “Targeting of Women Achievers under the garb of Religious Sanctions-mostly by the Misogynist Males. Whileas, Dr. Hilal Ahmad spoke about the “Psychological impact of Current Situation on Women Empowerment -Success Stories & their Struggle.”
The last theme of the seminar was based on the “Impact of Conflict on Civilian Institutions in J&K” With the Moderator Maj Gen SP Vishwasrao, SM GOC 31 Sub Area. Mr Farooq Khan, Advisor to LG started the theme on a discourse, “Subversion of Civil Institutions resulting in Denial of Genuine Rights and Equal Opportunities to the Masses.” Followed by Mr. Jahingeer Ahmad Dar who spoke about, “Breakdown in early 90s and Slow re-establishment of Civil Adm setup especially in Rural Areas. Long term Impact and Status. Impact on Legal infra-Subversion of Bar Council.”
Mr. Bashir Assad in his speech highlighted the, “Subversion and Corruption of Civilian Institutions in Education (Role of Madrassas, Universities etc.), Banking (incl J&K Bank). Panchayat Raj & others.” Followed by Maj Gen SP Vishwasrao, SM, GOC 31 Subs Area, shared his views on, “The intra Dynamics of Sufi-Salafi Wahhabi and other Sect Institutions.”
Meanwhile, Lt Gen Raj Shukla, GOC-in-C, ARTRAC in his maiden speech, spoke about Jammu & Kashmir’s deep and organic connect in geostrategic realm in Indian sub-continent.
Lt Gen Raj Shukla spoke about intrinsic civilizational, literary, cultural and historic connect that J&K has enjoyed being part of India, in the past five millennia.
The GOC-in-C, ARTRAC asked the society to reverse the sense of supposed alienation and promote a multicultural and inclusive society while asking them to stand in unison and raise their voice against the Pakistani nexus which denies Kashmiri people the basic human rights that are intrinsic to any civilized and just society.
The two-day seminar on Human Rights violations perpetuated by terrorists and the impact of those violations on the lives of people of Kashmir living under the shadow of terrorism over the past three decades was broadcasted live to civil and military audience at Kupwara, Baramulla, Awantipur, Sharifabad, Delhi, Shimla, Nagrota and Udhampur. The interaction by the panelists was also streamed live over Chinar Corps Facebook page which attracted a huge number of virtual audience from across the Globe. ( JKNS)
