As the whole country pays tribute to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel killed by a suicide bomber in Pulwama, a meet was organised in the city to condemn the loss on Thursday.
The meet was organised by Citizens of Justice and Peace, a human rights platform and Indian Muslims for Secular Democracy (IMSD), a forum.
“The attack in Pulwama is one of the most horrific incidents, the country has ever faced. It has become very necessary to understand the root cause of these attacks and to work together towards achieving a proper solution for it,” S.H. Kalawat, a veteran Commander of the Indian Navy said.
He also talked about the perception of Indians of Kashmir and its people. “Every Indian understands that Kashmir is an inseparable part of our country but forgets that the people living there are also part of it. To solve the problem of Kashmir, we will have to accept Kashmiris from our hearts,” Mr. Kalawat said.
Speakers also addressed the negative vibes being spread through social media. “I feel pity for the people who post and call for war on social media, sitting in their drawing rooms. Also, the media, who have themselves declared a war against people in Kashmir and Pakistan, will need to understand that such acts are spreading hatred and not bringing unity,” renowned balladeer-poet Sambhaji Bhagat said.
Former principal of St. Xavier’s College, Father Frazer Mascarenhas also sung a few lines of a prayer — Let it be peace on earth, let peace begin with me .
Coming from a family of soldiers, film and television actress Mona Ambegaonkar said, “The situation of Kashmiris across the country after the attack is much worse than before. Let me remind all citizens that even the martyrs of Pulwama would not have been happy watching their condition.”
Throwing light on the condition of Kashmiri students, Suheel Syed, a student from Kashmir said, “I have been living in Mumbai for the past three years for my education and have never felt threatened or fear before. On behalf of all Kashmiri students in different parts of Mumbai, I would like to request the people to please let us complete our education and make our future better.”
Published - February 22, 2019 01:36 am IST
