Srinagar: Asserting that terrorism was a collective enemy of humanity, the Lt Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday said that the entire world knows about the actual perpetrators of terrorism and it is high time “we joined to defeat their evil designs by spreading communal harmony and love for humanity”.
Delivering inaugural address at the national symposium and exhibition on “Memories of 22 October 1947” at SKICC here, organised for the first time to mark October 22 as a ‘Black Day’, Sinha said, October 22 will always remain a black day, and both the elderly and the younger generation must be made aware that Pakistan did not only shed the blood of the people and Kashmiriyat, it tried to divide us, which we have failed with our unity and goodwill.”
“The day reminds us of the atrocities meted out by Pakistan and its army on innocent civilians including young kids and women. Even after 73 years, the pain and terrors of Operation Gulmarg are fresh in our memories,” he added.
The two-day event is being organised by National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory government.
A publication on “Memories of 22 October 1947” was also launched on the occasion.
Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism, Prahlad Singh Patel also addressed the function through virtual mode.
“We have decided to educate our new generations how this land, that preaches universal brotherhood, was trampled by Pakistan, its army, and its government on October 22, 1947. It was their mission to plant the seeds of communal hatred among the peace-loving people here. Pakistan has been blatantly claiming that the raids were made by tribal Pashtuns, while the truth is that it was Pakistan Army dressed as tribals. It is necessary to break the misconceptions that have been spread over the years. It is necessary to unmask Pakistan and its sympathizers,” Sinha added.
“On this day, we remember Mahavir Chakra awardee Brigadier Rajinder Singh and his troops, who, despite being heavily outnumbered, defended our borders, and laid down their lives while successfully keeping the enemy at bay,” he said.
“It is documented that the Pakistani army and its proxies crossed Garhi Habibullah and attacked Muzaffarabad, and just as they ruthlessly killed civilians, they also murdered some of our soldiers. The ruthless Pakistan army killed Hindus and Sikhs and forcibly sold their young women in Rawalpindi and Peshawar. Even Sister Maria, a nun at a Baramulla Church was killed. Maqbool Sherwani, a Kashmiri who resisted them, was also shot down mercilessly by the Pakistani marauders,” he added.
According to an official press release, the LG said that both the young and the old need to know about “these dark hours of our history and how Pakistan has tried to create a divide between our nation as well as our communal harmony and unity.”
Speaking on the representations received from more than 100 prominent persons across J&K regarding protection and restoration of places with heritage significance like Mubarak Mandi, Jammu, and Shergarhi, Srinagar, the LG reiterated the government’s commitment towards conservation and protection of rich culture and heritage of J&K.
The LG also said that the issue has been taken up with the concerned authorities and after discussions with Chief Secretary of J&K and Secretary, Ministry of Culture; protection and restoration of Shergarhi, Srinagar, and Mubarak Mandi, Jammu has been assured.
Speaking on the occasion, Baseer Ahmad Khan, Advisor to the LG, also spoke on how groups of Kashmiri people courageously faced and pushed back Pakistan militia.
Raghvendra Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, CEO, DMCS; DG, National Museum and VC, National Museum Institute, delivered the welcome address. Prof. (Dr.) Manvi Seth, Dean, National Museum Institute presented the Vote of Thanks.
The exhibition on the ‘Memories of 22 Oct 1947’, also inaugurated today, comprises graphic panels and videos showcasing a chronology of events as well as prominent narratives of the invasion on 22 Oct 1947 and the subsequent unfolding of actions.
According to the press release, the exhibition panels depicted The Treaty of Lahore, The Treaty of Amritsar, The Popular Will of 1947, Economic Blockade of Kashmir, 1947- Towards Accession, The Invaders Backed by Pakistan, Pakistani Militia Leaders, Plunder in Muzaffarabad, Baramulla, The Church Attack, Maqbool Sherwani, Instrument of Accession, Key Dates, The Gilgit Game, People’s Militia.
Tribal invasion of Kashmir first attack on independent India: Culture minister
Srinagar: The tribal invasion of Kashmir on October 22, 1947 was the first attack on independent India, Union Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel said on Thursday.
In a video message at the inauguration of the first-ever two-day national symposium and exhibition, “Memories of 22 October 1947”, the Union minister said the day was a “black day for Kashmiriyat and the people of Kashmir”.
“Pakistan’s attack on India, which was called a tribal attack, was the first attack on India after the country’s independence. The local terrorists there and the conspirators of the Pakistani Army did dreadful torture from Gilgit to a vast area. They did not even spare the religious places and I think that day has been a black day for Kashmiris and Kashmiriyat,” Patel said.
He said several educationists, historians, security experts and economic experts will take part in the programme.
“I think all the people of Jammu and Kashmir will also take part in it to see the scenario of those circumstances,” he said.
The Union minister thanked Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and others who were participating in the event.
Being organised by National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory government at SKICC here, the symposium will bring forth the historical narrative of the day.
