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Published 18:33 IST, August 22nd 2019

Kashmiri Pandits issue big statement backing Modi on J&K, Article 370

Over 700 eminent Kashmiri Pandits write a joint statement on Thursday, backing the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir by PM Modi gover

Reported by: Digital Desk
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Weeks after the Centre passed the bill for the abrogation of provisions of Article 370, Agnishekhar, who is the Convener of Panun Kashmir, an organisation advocating the cause of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, released a memorandum on Thursday in support of the abrogation of provisions of Article 370. The memorandum released on Thursday said that over 700 eminent Kashmiri Pandits have endorsed it. In the statement, Agnishekhar has also claimed that all Kashmiri Pandits are on one page in support of the Centre scrapping provisions of Article 370, adding that it will "pave the way for a new dawn of free environment in Jammu and Kashmir".

The memorandum has been signed by over 700 top Kashmiri Pandits, which also include Padma Shri awardees, vice-chancellors, academicians and doctors, across the world. They have backed the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 and reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir, carried out by PM Modi government. Speaking in the matter, Agnishekhar said that Panun Kashmir was batting strongly for a Union Territory for the Kashmiri Pandits and the demand has been finally met.

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"It was an outcome of the struggle of Panun Kashmir for last 30 years. We welcome the decision of the PM Modi government," Agnishekhar said.

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Chairman of Panun Kashmir Ajay Chrungoo further condemned the Kashmiri Pandits who have been giving statements opposing the decision of the PM Modi government. He said they do not represent Kashmiri Pandits at all and condemned them.

Read the full memorandum here:

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Government abrogates Article 370

The PM Modi government on August 5 revoked Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Both the uLok Sabha and Rajya Sabha passed the resolution abrogating Article 370 for J&K and a bill to bifurcate the state into two union territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, with Home Minister Amit Shah saying the controversial provisions were responsible for poverty and lack of development in the state. Ministry of External Affairs also briefed the envoys of the P5 nations -- the US, the UK, China, France and Russia -- about Indian government's decision to scrap Article 370 and bifurcate the state into two union territories.

(With PTI inputs)

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17:23 IST, August 22nd 2019