The National Mission for Unity and Brotherhood (NMMUB) held an important meeting at the India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi. The agenda centered on strengthening connections between Kashmiri people living in and outside Kashmir and identifying key participants, such as local leaders, activists, community representatives, and diverse groups.
The meeting aimed to foster an environment for open discussion and engage communities through social, cultural, educational, and recreational activities. NMMUB also plans to act as a pressure group to safeguard the rights and identity of the Kashmiri people, bridge gaps between stakeholders, and support those working for peace and harmony. Attendees also discussed forming sub-committees on Legal, Resource Mobilization, and Media Relations within the NMMUB mandate.
Attendees expressed hope that the newly elected government in Jammu and Kashmir, led by Omar Abdullah, will fulfill its poll promises by ensuring a safe environment for Pandits to return to their homes.
Addressing the meeting, Rakesh Sapru, Founder and Convener of NMUB, stated, “We will approach state and union governments to expedite the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. We will engage with people, activists, government agencies, and stakeholders.”
On the occasion, Professor Ravi Zutshi, who chaired the meeting, emphasized, “We must preserve our cultural identity while promoting Indian nationalism. Kashmiri should be made an official state language, and our cultural places, history, and connections must be restored. Personal greed should not overshadow the common good.”
Meanwhile, M.M. Ansari, the former interlocutor on Kashmir, asserted, “Efforts for peace should continue. The new state government should engage stakeholders to ensure the rights of Kashmiri people are restored and minimize the trust deficit.”
Other notable attendees included Ramesh Sapru, Sushma Bhat, M.M. Malik, Saiyed Zegham Murtaza, Sheikh Manzoor, Kamal Choudhary, Prabhu Razdan, Dr. Sushma Ganesh Pandey, Dr. V.K. Gautam, Shanmukhan Narayanan, Akansh Gupta, and Mrs. Rukma Dutta.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue efforts towards unity and brotherhood in the region.
