New Delhi, Mar 04: Ashok Bhan, a senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India and Chairman of the Kashmir (Policy & Strategy) Group, has called for restoring Kashmir’s historical glory, saying the region has been the cradle of civilization which has been imperilled over the years.
Addressing a gathering at New Delhi, Adv Bhan, a Distinguished Fellow at USI, said, “The people (of Kashmir) are victims of the 1947 conflict and the lingering aftermath of the armed insurgency that led to the displacement of the entire indigenous religious minority and the killing of innocent civilians by non-state actors, anti-people groups and other actors.”
Recognizing the urgency of addressing this plight, he praised the efforts of the Kashmir Peace Lovers (KPL) group in establishing a strong connection with Kashmiri youth across far-flung areas. He said that through organizing almost 60 cricket league matches and other intra-cultural activities, KPL promotes dialogue and societal healing. He said it is imperative to foster peace, justice and inclusivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Ashok said KPL’s comprehensive outreach program is aimed at organizing significant events in Kashmir to bridge the trust deficit between various sections of society. “There is a need to revive the glorious past of Kashmir and promote a collective vision for the future,” he stressed.
In his address, Bhan underscored the importance of acknowledging the past while seeking meaning in the present and actions for the future, particularly for the Kashmiri Pandit community. He advocated for a narrative that instills unity and a shared hope for the return to their homeland, encapsulated in the slogan “In Unity We Thrive, In Return We Strive.”
The SC advocate added, “Kashmir is the holy land of science and innovation with the divine grace of spirituality through the ages. It is rightly described as the cradle of civilisation.”
Quoting the poet Amir Khusro, Bhan reiterated the spiritual significance of Kashmir, describing it as “heaven on earth”.
“Amir Khusro has aptly said: Agar Firdaus bar rōy-e zamin ast, hamin ast-o hamin ast-o hamin ast (If there is heaven on earth, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here).
Despite the mass exile and genocide of Kashmiri Pandits, he commended the efforts of the native population in channelling their energy towards positive pursuits, saying that initiatives like the Kashmir Peace Lovers play a crucial role in bridging trust deficits and reviving Kashmir’s glory.
Bhan applauded KPL’s engagement in transforming youth through sports and culture to create a harmonious tapestry of shared values and inclusivity. “It is important to physically bring back Kashmiri Pandits to create a conducive ecosystem for nurturing talent and formulating a new, inclusive, violence-free, and tolerant Kashmir,” he stressed.
