Srinagar, June 20 (KNS): Noted Supreme Court Lawyer Ashok Bhan on Thursday called for return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandit Refugees on World Refugee Day.
Speaking at a joint meeting of human rights activists, law students, and Kashmiri Pandit refugees on the eve of World Refugee Day, noted Senior Supreme Court lawyer and prominent Kashmiri leader Ashok Bhan addressed the ongoing plight of Kashmiri Pandit refugees.
Bhan highlighted the ethnic cleansing and targeted killings by terrorists that forced hundreds of thousands of native Kashmiris to flee their homeland, leaving them homeless and rootless for the past thirty-five years.
Bhan lamented the severe hardships, trauma, and disintegration faced by this unique population, living in refugee conditions. He criticized the Union government for failing to implement a structured plan for their return and rehabilitation over the last decade. Despite a national consensus and strong support from Kashmiri society for their return, Bhan argued that the current government has not prioritized this pressing issue.
On World Refugee Day, Bhan made a passionate plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, urging the government to initiate the "Gharwapsi" (homecoming) of the Kashmiri Pandit population back to their homeland.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe emphasized that Kashmir is incomplete without the physical presence of Kashmiri Pandits and called for immediate action to address their longstanding displacement.
World Refugee Day, designated by the United Nations to honor refugees worldwide, is observed annually on June 20. This day celebrates the strength and courage of individuals who have been forced to flee their homes to escape violence, conflict, or persecution. It aims to shine a light on the rights, needs, and aspirations of refugees, mobilizing political will and resources to help them not only survive but thrive.
The day serves as a reminder of the global commitment to protect and improve the lives of refugees. Activities held on World Refugee Day create opportunities to support refugees and raise awareness about their struggles. The day was first celebrated globally on June 20, 2001, marking the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. Originally known as Africa Refugee Day, it was officially designated as an international day by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2000.(KNS)