Resonating Unity: Integration Day Celebrations in Srinagar
Srinagar: The Department of International Affairs at JKUT, in collaboration with the Loul Cultural Foundation and JK Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, celebrated Integration Day at Information Hall in Srinagar.
In the Welcome Address, Surinder Ambardar, in charge of International Affairs, emphasized the key issue of the unanimous resolution adopted in the parliament in 1994, substantiating the reorganization act of 5th August 2019 and deliberations of the Hon’ble Home Minister in Parliament. He mentioned that 75,000 sqkm of territory is still under illegal occupation by Pakistan, out of which 5,000 sq km are leased to China. India’s resolve to retrieve this territory was reflected by 1st Foreign Secretary Madam Patal Gehlot’s call to withdraw forces from the area as it’s an integral part of India.
Irfan Shah, who spoke at the occasion, expressed the belief that India is the best country for all sections of society, particularly the people of Kashmir.
Dr. Meher highlighted that Kashmiri women were the worst sufferers during the Terror era in Kashmir and emphasized the need for their magnified role in the current scenario.
Professor Javid Kakroo appreciated the Foreign Policy of the Narendra Modi Government and stressed the importance of addressing the trust deficit in the region. He also spoke about the reunification of Jammu and Kashmir as a future destiny that needs to be pursued.
Ashok Koul, General Secretary of the BJP in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, who was the chief guest, lauded the Modi government for successfully connecting the world with the common man in the country. He emphasized that the changed discourse reflects Modi ji’s vision of a New Kashmir and expressed the commitment to work for the reunification of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir through bilateral negotiations.
Other participants in the event included Mr. G.M. Sofi, Sardar Kuldeep Singh, Madam Mehjabeen Bhat, advocates, researchers, and political scientists. Versatile Singer Muneer Ahmad Mir performed patriotic songs.
The program was hosted by Gazi Ajaz, Chairman of the Loul Cultural Foundation.