Nisar Dharma
Srinagar: A right-wing “research platform” is blatantly advocating demographic changes in Kashmir in a video made in an extremely acerbic tone while calling for the attention of Indians to “a civilizational battle” in the valley.
Titled ‘What do Kashmiri Hindus want from fellow Indians? Kashmir a Civilizational battle’, the video was uploaded on Twitter by ‘Upword’ on October 4 and since then over 50,000 people have watched it with hundreds retweeting it on the social media platform.
‘Upword’, according to its website, is a ‘research platform’ aimed to “eradicate intellectual imperialism” in India.
Addressing the Hindus in India, Ashish Dhar, co-founder of ‘Upword’ who identifies himself a Kashmir Hindu Rights activist, says in the video: “Kashmir is as much yours as it is ours. Now that Article 35A and 370 have been made inoperative, it is imperative that the step is taken to its logical conclusion, which is to alter the demographic composition for the state to neutralise the extremist mindset that has taken hold of the people of the valley.”
Dhar tries his best to get the attention of viewers by telling them that “ultimately, we are a reminder of what may happen to you if you continue to live in denial.”
“We are proud inheritors of a glorious culture that has been systematically destroyed over several centuries,” he says.
He then goes on stating four things “Kashmiri Hindus want from fellow Indians”. The suggestions are communally charged and openly call for settling “all Hindus” in Kashmir to change its demographic composition.
“Learn from our experience and give up the illusion that the government, their judiciary, their holy book – the constitution – or anyone of those human rights cottage industry NGOs will come to your rescue in adverse circumstances. Your family’s safety is, first and foremost your business.”
“Don’t fall for terrorist propaganda and understand that giving up Kashmir is not an option.”
“Kashmir is as much yours as it is ours. Now that Article 35A and 370 have been made inoperative it is imperative that the step is taken to its logical conclusion, which is to alter the demographic composition for the state to neutralise the extremist mindset that has taken hold of the people of the valley.”
“Most importantly, help Kashmiri Hindus politically. Don’t forget only the legal status of the state has changed, the conditions that led to the eviction of the Kashmiri Hindus remain. Don’t expect Kashmiri Hindus to go back to the same condition to get slaughtered. Build pressure on the government to come out with a roadmap for resettlement of all Hindus not just Kashmiri Hindus in the valley.”
In the end of the video, Dhar calls people to “reclaim” Kashmir.
“Kashmir is the crown of the Indian civilization. It is a shretram (region) which has blessed us with spiritual, cultural, and intellectual marvels. It is a fountain head of Bharat’s creative genius. Reclaim Kashmir to reclaim your own self,” he concludes.
The Kashmir Monitor tried to contact ‘Upword’ for their comments on the video but couldn’t reach them.
The story will be updated as soon as the comments are received.
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We have been blamed for decades for a crime that we never committed on the first place…
People of kashmir get nothing even after being so much hospitable for the outsiders..the dogs bark only after an old lion abondons the jungle kingdom, i am sure this person dharma is a coward and spinless brainwashed radical pandit..who left his native land for good life alone..
mate dharma is the author of this piece, its dhar who’s behind the video and upward
In your dreams you can imagine all things to happen your way. That is part of being delusional. Kashmir is and was never a part of India .Kashmiri Pandits can sell whatever lies they want to gain sympathy in the names of building temples in Kashmir. Ultimately Indians with brains will know what to buy…
Just a reminder to fellow Indians that there is a temple in the near vicinity of a mosque in most parts of Kashmir which stands testimony to our peaceful co-existence in pre militancy era.
The truth regarding Kashmiri Pandits leaving Kashmir is that the then Governor Mr Jag Mohan ordered a mass massacre of militants and proposed to the pandits to flee the valley for a month or so till he clears the filth.
Wise and intelligent as usual they flew for their safety when their Kashmiri Muslim friends kept persuading them to stay and share the back lash. Though some who stayed back till date are integrated, safe ,happy and healthy.
Seriously we drove them out …. or they betrayed years of close ties for their safety and better futures.
Years later I saw many Kashmiri Pandits on top notch positions scattered all over India. Those who owned big houses either turned them into army camps and earned heavy revenue while those who could not got their houses blown down to claim insurance.
They are fueling the sectarian divide by playing cards of demographic change. Their usual dangerous games. Honestly if they truly want a demographic change let the Kashmiri Pandits start by marrying their sons and daughters to culturally diverse Hindu boys and girls form Kerala , Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Orissa
So my dear people of India its a wicked and immoral cry for sympathy. It is indeed the Kashmiri Muslims who lost everything.