Srinagar, Feb 03: All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS) led by its President Ravinder Pandita called on Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Minorities and Parliamentary Affairs in New Delhi on Monday.
AIKS discussed and presented him a memorandum seeking minority status and benefits to minorities within the state, a statement issued to INS reads.
The Minister said that it was irony that Kashmiri hindus are minorities in state but majority in union which is true with a few states more. He listened to the points raised by AIKS like constituting a minorities commission in J&K, declaring them minorities and referred to SC direction of 2018 in a petition by Ankur Sharma as also Justice Venkatachaliah NHRC report.
He was apprised of various meetings with NCM in the past also and recommendations also thereof. The issue assumes significance after abrogation of Art 370 and unification of J&K state, says Ravinder Pandita, President of AIKS.
AIKS presented and felicitated Kiren Rijiju with a Sharda shawl and portrait. AIKS also urged for reopening of Sharda Peeth PoK on the lines of Kartarpur. The Minister after hearing the delegation suggested that a larger delegation should meet Hon’ble minister with these political issues and assured AIKS that he will facilitate a meeting with Home ministry.
AIKS team comprising its General Secy. Sunil Koul, Sr. Vice President Vijay Kashkari, noted debator & activist Amit Raina and Shrawan Pandita, invited Kiren Rijiju for Intl Mother Tongue day festival to be organised in New Delhi 0n 22 February and presented him the latest issue of Naad Magazine, official mouthpiece of AIKS.
