“The division of Kashmir is based on religious lines. To integrate, we must show that we are united. This is when Tamil Nadu youth come together to state that we are one. Only then will the opposition be challenged,” Dhruv C Katoch, Director, India Foundation.
He was speaking on ‘India at 70: The Significance of Jammu and Kashmir’ at a national integration seminar organised by Tamil Nadu Young Thinkers Forum and Saraswathi Narayanan College on Thursday.
The programme comprised two panel discussions revolving around the conflict in the region. Four panelists from different parts of India addressed the audience.
Rahul Pandita, journalist and author hailing from Kashmir, spoke of his views on the subjugation of the rights of Kashmiri Pandits. He claimed that grave injustice was done to his community — Kashmiri Pandits — as they were driven out of their homes and their culture was destroyed.
Others, including Guru Prakash, a senior researcher, and Dimple Koul, author and columnist, also addressed the gathering.
The organisers said the discussions were an attempt to ensure that all parts of India were equally involved in core issues that concerned the nation.
