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Trump says US-Iran deal to be signed Sunday

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Trump says US-Iran deal to be signed Sunday

Washington, June 14: US President Donald Trump on Saturday said a deal to end the war with Iran would be signed on Sunday and that the strategic Strait of Hormuz would be “open to all” immediately afterwards.

Trump’s comments came hours after Pakistan indicated that the United States and Iran were in the final stage of negotiations and that an electronic signing ceremony for the agreement was scheduled for Sunday. However, there is no immediate comment from Iran on the reported timeline.

“The Deal is scheduled to get signed tomorrow, and immediately after it is signed, the Hormuz Strait is OPEN TO ALL,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social, signalling what could be a major diplomatic breakthrough after months of conflict and negotiations.

At the same time, Trump kept the threat of fresh attacks dangling if the deal failed to pan out as expected.

“We look forward to working with Iran, and the entire Middle East, long into the future. Hopefully, this process will all work out quickly, easily, and smoothly. If it doesn’t, we have the ultimate alternative, hopefully never to be used again,” he said.

The US president also contrasted the proposed agreement with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) negotiated under former US president Barack Obama.

“Barack Hussein Obama’s Deal with Iran, the JCPOA, was an easy, beautiful, smooth road to a Nuclear Weapon, which Iran would have had six years ago, and would have used long before now.

“My Agreement with Iran is the exact opposite, A WALL TO NO NUCLEAR WEAPON! In fact, they no longer want a Nuclear Weapon, nor will they have one, either through purchase, development, or any other form of procurement,” he said.

Trump further claimed that Iran’s nuclear programme had been effectively neutralised and said the remaining nuclear material would be disposed of at a later stage.

“At the appropriate time, when all is calm, we will go in and get the Nuclear Dust, buried deep under the powerful sunken granite mountains, thanks to our beautiful B-2 Bombers and their brilliant pilots, and downblend and destroy it, whether in Iran, or the United States,” he said.

Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a US-Iran peace deal could be finalised within the next 24 hours, as Islamabad indicated that an electronic signing ceremony was expected on Sunday.

The indication came in a statement issued on Saturday by the Foreign Office after a telephonic conversation between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

“They welcomed the US-Iran negotiations in their final stage, with the electronic signing ceremony scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday), and expressed the hope that this important development will contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region,” it said.

The Saudi foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s “consistent and sustained efforts” in support of mediation and dialogue throughout the process, the statement said.

The two leaders also discussed the forthcoming Regional Four Foreign Ministers (R-4) meeting, scheduled to be held in Egypt later this month.

“We are closer to a peace deal than ever before. With finalisation likely expected in the next 24 hours, Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing of the peace deal immediately after, followed by technical level talks next week,” Sharif said in a social media post.

He thanked the United States and Iran for their “ongoing commitment” during the negotiations and expressed appreciation for support from countries in the region.

“We are confident that this historic peace deal will form a strong foundation for lasting peace,” he said in the post in which he tagged US President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and the country’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

On Friday, Araghchi had suggested progress in the negotiations, saying the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer”.

“Pending its finalisation, the media should refrain from entering speculation about its content. In line with our responsible and transparent approach, all details will be shared with the public in due course,” Araghchi had said in a social media post.

The conflict, which began on February 28, has rattled global markets, tested regional alliances and intensified diplomatic efforts to secure a negotiated settlement.

Sharif on Saturday also spoke with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, during which he expressed appreciation for Qatar’s “strong and steadfast support” for Pakistan’s peace efforts and said a peace deal was “ready for signatures by the relevant parties very shortly”, according to a statement issued by the Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office.

The statement said the Qatari leader praised Pakistan’s role in advancing diplomatic efforts. Both leaders expressed hope that the initiative would contribute to lasting peace in the region and agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days, it said.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also had separate phone calls with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, Egypt Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

Dar discussed with the four leaders the progress in the ongoing US-Iran engagement, with all sides expressing hope that the diplomatic efforts would contribute to “lasting peace and stability in the region”, according to social media posts by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator in the US-Iran negotiations, facilitating contacts between Washington and Tehran and hosting diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

Days after a fragile ceasefire was established in April, Islamabad hosted the first round of peace talks. It was attended by senior officials from both sides but they failed to clinch a deal.

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Paras Health Srinagar holds health camp in Kargil

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Paras Health Srinagar holds health camp in Kargil

A statement of Paras Health Srinagar issued here said that the day-long camp, held at Baqariya Health Care and Research Centre, witnessed an overwhelming response from residents of Kargil and adjoining far-flung areas, who availed themselves of free consultations and expert medical advice from a team of specialists from Paras Health Srinagar.

The statement said that the initiative was aimed at bringing quality, affordable, and specialised healthcare services closer to people living in geographically challenging and underserved regions. It said that hundreds of patients benefitted from consultations across multiple specialties, reinforcing the importance of outreach healthcare programmes in improving access to advanced medical care.

The statement said that the residents and community members lauded the efforts of the Paras Health administration and thanked the visiting doctors and healthcare professionals for travelling long distances to serve patients at their doorsteps.

The statement quoted Dr Murtuza Habib, Facility Director, Paras Health Srinagar, as saying that ensuring access to quality healthcare for every citizen, irrespective of geography, remains central to the institution’s mission.

“At PARAS Health, we firmly believe that quality healthcare should not be limited by distance or location. Every individual deserves access to expert medical care, whether they live in a metropolitan city or a remote border district. Our outreach initiatives are driven by the commitment to take advanced healthcare services closer to communities that need them the most. Kargil holds a special place in our healthcare outreach efforts, and we will continue working towards making quality, compassionate and accessible healthcare a reality for all,” Dr Habib said in the statement.

The statement quoted the organisers as saying that such collaborative healthcare initiatives play a crucial role in early disease detection, health awareness, and strengthening healthcare access in underserved regions. It said that they reiterated their commitment to conducting similar programmes in remote parts of Jammu and Kashmir in the future. The statement said that the people of Kargil lauded the role of doctors, including Dr Muhammad Maqbool Sohail (Director, Intervention Cardiology, Dr Muhammad Yousuf Dar, Associate Director (Pulmonology), Dr Adil Ashraf, Senior Consultant Gastroenterology, Dr Raahil Rafiq, consultant, Neurosurgery, Dr Younis Mushtaq, Associate Consultant, Urology, Dr Suheel-ur-Rehman, Consultant, Neuro and vascular Intervention radiology.

It quoted the organisers as saying that such camp reflects a growing partnership between healthcare institutions and community organisations aimed at ensuring that quality medical care reaches even the most distant corners of Ladakh.

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Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam seek bail again in Delhi riots conspiracy case

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Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam seek bail again in Delhi riots conspiracy case

Former JNU students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam have approached a Delhi court seeking bail in the 2020 Delhi Riots conspiracy case after a recent Supreme Court observation raised questions over the interpretation adopted while denying them bail earlier, according to Bar & Bench.

Additional Sessions Judge Dr Sumedh Sethi of the Karkardooma Court on Friday fixed July 4 for hearing the bail applications filed by both accused, the legal news portal reported. Bar & Bench said the fresh pleas were moved after a Supreme Court bench questioned the interpretation relied upon by the apex court in rejecting their earlier bail requests.

In his application, Imam has argued that despite more than six months having passed since the Supreme Court’s judgment denying bail, there has been no meaningful progress in the trial, with arguments on framing of charges still incomplete. He has also contended that he has spent nearly six years in custody in the case, according to the report.

Khalid and Imam are among several accused booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 Delhi riots. Bar & Bench reported that the trial court will consider their fresh bail pleas on July 4.

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2-Day solo exhibition ‘From Canvas to Carving’ inaugurated

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2-Day solo exhibition ‘From Canvas to Carving’ inaugurated

Chairman HELP Foundation Nighat Shafi Pandit on Saturday inaugurated a two-day solo art exhibition “Canvas to Carving” at Baitul Meeras, a flagship cultural initiative of the Foundation.

The unique event showcases the evocative works of a local artist Tufail Manzoor Qureshi, celebrating the seamless intersection of painting and traditional wood carving, said a press release.

Speaking on the occasion, Nighat Shafi said that the two-day exhibition offers visitors an immersive journey through nature, culture, and memory.

She said by bridging the vibrant colours of the canvas with the rich textures of intricately carved wood, Qureshi’s collection breathes new life into ancestral craftsmanship while pushing the boundaries of contemporary artistic expression.

She said the exhibition will be open to the general public and art lovers. She said that the exhibition “From Canvas to Carving” serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of handcrafted creativity. The exhibition underscores Bait-ul-Meeras’s ongoing mission to preserve, celebrate, and revitalise Kashmir’s rich cultural and artistic legacy. “Art connects us to our roots while inspiring us to imagine new possibilities,” Nighat Shafi said.

She further emphasised the community aspect of the event, adding that at Bait-ul-Meeras, “we believe that heritage is best preserved when it is experienced and shared.”

She invited all art lovers, cultural enthusiasts, students, and families to explore this unique collection and celebrate the richness of our artistic legacy. She also invited members of the press, art critics, students to visit the exhibition and experience these stories shaped by colour, texture, and tradition.

Dwelling on the significance of Bait-ul-Meeras, she maintained that Bait-ul-Meeras is a heritage museum and cultural hub located in the heart of old Srinagar on the Jehlum bank at Aali Kadal. An initiative of the HELP Foundation, it is dedicated to the preservation of Kashmiri heritage, art, and traditional crafts, providing a vibrant space for community engagement and cultural revival.

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V-Mart launches ‘Denim for every you’ campaign

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V-Mart launches ‘Denim for every you’ campaign

V-Mart Retail Ltd has launched its latest denim-focused campaign, “Denim For Every You,” highlighting a wide range of styles aimed at catering to diverse fashion preferences across age groups.

The campaign positions denim as a versatile wardrobe staple and showcases an extensive collection featuring more than 12 fits and over 10,000 styles designed for men, women and children.

According to the company, the collection includes a variety of popular and contemporary fits such as Baggy, Slouchy, Wide Leg, Straight Fit, Boot Cut, Barrel, Cargo, Carpenter, Joggers and Relaxed Fit options. The range has been curated to cater to different occasions and lifestyle needs, from everyday wear and casual outings to travel and social engagements.

V-Mart said the collection is designed to offer consumers a combination of style, comfort and affordability. Denim products under the new campaign are available at starting prices of ₹399.

The company said the initiative reflects growing consumer demand for fashion choices that allow greater personal expression while remaining accessible to value-conscious shoppers. Customers can explore the collection at V-Mart stores across the country.

Founded in 2002, V-Mart Retail Ltd is an omni-channel retail chain offering fashion apparel, footwear, home furnishings, general merchandise and grocery products for the entire family.

The company primarily focuses on Tier-II and Tier-III cities and has established a pan-India presence through its network of retail stores. Operating on a value-retailing model, V-Mart aims to provide affordable fashion and quality products to India’s expanding middle-class consumer base.

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MLA Devyani Rana inaugurates 2nd Ravinder Khajuria Memorial Basketball Tournament

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MLA Devyani Rana inaugurates 2nd Ravinder Khajuria Memorial Basketball Tournament

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Sunil Sharma to lead agitation against

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Sunil Sharma to lead agitation against

Jammu, Jun 13: J&K Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma on Saturday announced that the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma would lead agitation against, what he alleged, “National Conference government’s outsourcing scam.”

Sat Sharma, along with Sunil Sharma, was chairing a meeting of senior party leaders at the BJP headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, to deliberate on the “failures and anti-youth policies of the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government in Jammu and Kashmir.”

Launching a sharp attack on the National Conference government, Sat Sharma alleged that it failed to honour the commitments made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir during the 2024 Assembly elections.

J&K BJP general secretaries Sanjita Dogra, Baldev Singh Billawaria and Gopal Mahajan; secretaries Reema Padha, Arun Sharma; media in-charge Dr Pardeep Mahotra; spokespersons Balbir Ram Rattan, Dr Hari Dutt Shishu, Ankur Sharma and Zorawar Singh Jamwal; SC Morcha president Dharminder Kumar, Refugee Cell convenor Balvinder Singh, besides other senior leaders, were present in the meeting.

J&K BJP president, while addressing the gathering, said that the NC leadership made lofty promises to the people but was currently adopting a completely contradictory stance, abandoning the very assurances highlighted in its election manifesto. He asked the government to uphold “Raj Dharma” and ensure transparent, accountable and people-centric governance.

“The BJP will not allow any disservice to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, any discrimination against the residents of Jammu, or any policy that compromises the future of J&K youth. We will fight tooth and nail against every instance of bad governance and anti-people decisions taken by the present dispensation,” Sat Sharma asserted.

He stated that the Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma would spearhead the party’s resistance against, what he termed as the “government’s draconian outsourcing policy.” He directed the party’s general secretaries to support and coordinate the resistance movement of the LoP. BJP Morchas and Cells were asked to take the campaign to the grassroots level across Jammu and Kashmir.

He also shared that the two spokespersons Ankur Sharma, and Zorawar Singh Jamwal would assist senior leaders in the primary work on the matter. Sunil Sharma, in his address, accused the National Conference government of having “completely failed” to address the aspirations and expectations of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that despite raising hopes among young people during the elections, the NC government demonstrated a lack of vision regarding employment generation and youth empowerment. “The youth of Jammu and Kashmir feel betrayed. While the government has distanced itself from its promises of regular recruitment and transparent appointments, it has instead opened the door to backdoor entries under the new nomenclature of ‘outsourcing’,” Sunil Sharma said.

He cautioned that similar to previous exploitative arrangements that kept thousands of educated youth trapped in insecure and poorly paid engagements without any long-term career prospects, the present outsourcing model would further jeopardise the future of another generation of young people. Warning the government against proceeding with such policies, the Leader of Opposition said that if the National Conference government failed to reverse, what the BJP considered, “a backdoor recruitment mechanism”, the party would intensify its agitation and take the fight from the legislature to the streets in defence of the rights and future of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

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Literary Forum Bandipora observes Nazki Day; Prof Rashid Nazki’s book ‘Irfanuk Pai’ releasesd

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Literary Forum Bandipora observes Nazki Day; Prof Rashid Nazki’s book ‘Irfanuk Pai’ releasesd

Noted scholars, poets, writers and literary activists from across Kashmir. Among those present were Prof. Sonauallah Parvaiz, Dr. Ayaz Rasool Nazki, Majrooh Rashid, President Adbi Markaz Kamraz Mohammad Amin Bhat, Dr. Rafiq Masoodi, Shafaq Sopori, Dr. Maroof Shah, M. Yousuf Mashoor, Mir Dachigami, Mubashir Saleem Nazki, Sufi Showkat, Mir Tariq, Dr. Adil Mohiuddin, Mansoor Muntazir, Sheikh Saleem, Fayaz Tilgami, Tanha Nizami, Ayoub Dilber, Rashid Jawahar and Abid Ashraf.

Poet and Researcher Basharat Fauqir presented a paper examining the literary works and intellectual contributions of Prof. Rashid Nazki.

Delivering the keynote address, Majrooh Rashid described Nazki as a poet who helped revive Persian and Central Asian influences in Kashmiri literature and played a significant role in shaping the modern literary identity of the language. Recalling his association with the late poet, Dr. Ayaz Rasool Nazki shared personal memories and anecdotes highlighting Prof. Nazki’s influence in literary and public life. Mohammad Amin Bhat said the enduring relevance of Nazki’s work could be seen in the continued growth of institutions founded by him, including Literary Forum Bandipora and Adbi Markaz Kamraz.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Sonauallah Parvaiz described Prof. Nazki as a poet of thought, existence and metaphysics whose writings engaged with philosophical and theological questions. He said Nazki consistently worked for the preservation and development of language and culture. A major highlight of the event was the posthumous conferment of the Nazki Award on late poet and former Director of Doordarshan, Farooq Nazki, in recognition of his contribution to Kashmiri language and literature. The award was received by his daughter, Roohi Nazki, while the citation was read by Dr. Adil Mohiuddin.

Farooq Nazki, a noted poet in both Kashmiri and Urdu, was widely known for his works exploring themes of identity, memory, love and social realities. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1995 for his Kashmiri poetry collection “Naar Hyutun Kanzal Wanas”. The Forum also conferred the Charaag-e-Sukhan Award on Prof. Naseem Shafaie for her recent publication “Bu Vanyeth Zaan Kass”. Prof. Shafaie is regarded as a leading contemporary Kashmiri poet and became the first Kashmiri woman to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award for Kashmiri literature in 2011. On the occasion, Prof. Rashid Nazki’s book “Irfanuk Pai” was also released. The event concluded with a poetry session sponsored by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, chaired by Prof. Naseem Shafaie, Shahnaz Rashid, Munawar Parwana and Gul Tanveer. More than a dozen poets presented their latest poetry that enthralled the audience. The programme was supported by The Kashmir Convener, The Academy of Art ,Culture and Languages, Shudh Spices, Design and Eff Ess Traders. LFB President Sufi Showkat presented the vote of thanks.

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US-Iran deal on Sunday: Trump

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US-Iran deal on Sunday: Trump

In a post on Truth Social, Trump contrasted the proposed agreement with the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated under former President Barack Obama.

“Barack Hussein Obama’s Deal with Iran, the JCPOA, was an easy, beautiful, smooth road to a Nuclear Weapon,” Trump wrote, adding that Iran “would have had [a nuclear weapon] six years ago, and would have used [it] long before now.”

Describing his proposed agreement as “the exact opposite,” Trump said it would create “A WALL TO NO NUCLEAR WEAPON.”

“In fact, they no longer want a Nuclear Weapon, nor will they have one, either through purchase, development, or any other form of procurement,” he said.

Trump said that “the Deal is scheduled to get signed tomorrow, and immediately after it is signed, the Hormuz Strait is OPEN TO ALL.”

The US President also said that, unlike the Obama-era agreement, “no money will exchange hands.”

He criticised what he described as “Hundreds of Billions of Dollars in payments” made under the previous administration. Referring to Iran’s nuclear programme, Trump said that “when all is calm,” the United States would retrieve what he called “the Nuclear Dust, buried deep under the powerful sunken granite mountains,” and “downblend and destroy it, whether in Iran, or the United States.”

He credited US.l military strikes carried out by B-2 bombers for the destruction of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and said Washington looked forward to working with Iran and the wider Middle East in the future.

“Hopefully, this process will all work out quickly, easily, and smoothly. If it doesn’t, we have the ultimate alternative, hopefully never to be used again!” Trump wrote.

There was no immediate official confirmation from Iranian authorities regarding the signing of the agreement or the details outlined by the US President.

Earlier, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said that US forces intercepted and destroyed multiple Iranian attack drones that were allegedly launched toward commercial vessels transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said Iran had launched “multiple one-way attack drones” in an apparent attempt to strike commercial ships passing through the narrow waterway, one of the world’s most important energy and trade routes. “US forces have downed all of them in recent hours as traffic flow through the strait continues unimpeded. The international trade corridor remains open for transit,” CENTCOM said. The military command added that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has not been disrupted despite the attempted attacks.

CENTCOM also said US forces are continuing to enforce what it described as a blockade against Iran.

According to the command, since April 13, US naval forces have redirected 139 commercial vessels that complied with its directives and disabled nine ships deemed non-compliant. The latest incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies and international commerce. The waterway connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and handles a significant share of the world’s seaborne oil shipments.

There was no immediate response from Iranian authorities regarding CENTCOM’s claims. The developments mark another escalation in the ongoing confrontation between Washington and Tehran over maritime security and regional stability. Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that a peace agreement between the United States and Iran was likely to be finalised within the next 24 hours. In a post on X, Sharif said the agreement would be followed by the electronic signing of the peace deal and technical-level talks next week.

Pakistan has played a mediating role in the negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Sharif thanked both the United States and Iran for their commitment during the talks, as well as regional partners for their support. “We are confident that this historic peace deal will form a strong foundation for lasting peace,” he said. Meanwhile, Iran’s Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf struck a defiant tone while marking the anniversary of last year’s 12-day conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

In a statement, Ghalibaf accused the US and Israel of targeting civilians during the conflict and vowed that Tehran would remain steadfast. The developments come amid growing expectations that ongoing diplomatic efforts could lead to a breakthrough agreement aimed at easing tensions and reopening key regional trade routes.

Meanwhile, Israel carried out air strikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday after ordering residents to evacuate around 20 locations, the BBC reported, citing Lebanese state media. According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, at least one person was killed in a strike on the town of Marrakeh in the Tyre district. The attacks came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would take military action if Hezbollah continued its attacks on northern Israel.

The strikes occurred amid reports of progress in negotiations aimed at ending hostilities between the United States and Iran.

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Homecoming of Kashmiri Pandits real victory: LG Sinha

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Homecoming of Kashmiri Pandits real victory: LG Sinha

Srinagar, Jun 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that the homecoming of displaced Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland was the truest victory.
Attending the Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave at Srinagar, LG Sinha said, “A moment of transformation is here. Those once uprooted from their homeland return, and this homecoming is the truest victory. The presence of business leaders, corporate heads, technology entrepreneurs, and cultural icons sends a powerful message of confidence in the peace of Jammu Kashmir, and trust in the administrative stability under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The journey of the Kashmiri Pandit Community has been scarred by genocide, exile and struggle. The world once witnessed their wounds and now the triumph. The community chose a different path. They refused to be defined by wounds and struggle. Instead, they transformed that pain into strength.”
The event was attended by distinguished personalities of the Kashmiri Pandit community from India and abroad to celebrate Kashmiri Pandit community’s journey of resilience, renaissance and return.

The LG said the Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave celebrates the community’s patience and resilience and honours their achievements and, above all, lays the foundation for the return of the community members.
He called upon distinguished members of the Kashmiri Pandit Community to set up industries, academic and cultural institutions in J&K that will become the immortal story of their heritage and provide opportunities to generations to come. LG Sinha said that the Kashmiri Pandit Community’s contribution was needed across industry, education, arts and spirituality.

“I believe the true measure of life lies in what we give back, in the hope we inspire, and in the change we leave behind for our society and nation. That is the essence of a meaningful life, and that is the real service. And it is this legacy that will continue to guide and inspire generations to come,” he said. The LG said that the world remembers the 1990s, when the Kashmiri Pandit community faced unimaginable brutality and endured massacres and, overnight, families were forced to leave everything behind and live in exile in their own country.

“Lives marked by pain and struggle gave the Kashmiri Pandit community only two choices – despair or rebuilding. They chose creation, rebuilding, and selfless service and in doing so, the community made history. Carrying the weight of the massacre, they never turned away from their purpose. Hardship never broke the spirit of the Kashmiri Pandit community. Suffering did not silence their ambition. Instead, they shaped their own destiny by building industries, founding institutions, driving innovation, and earning respect across the world. Today, I am proud that the Kashmiri Pandit community is celebrated for reaching new heights of success. The world honours their talent, leadership, and contributions to humanity,” he said.
LG Sinha said that the Global Conclave also indicates that the time has come for the reconstruction and revival of the ancient glory of the Kashmiri Pandit community.

He said the discussions at this conclave on building global industries and institutions here and a shared economic future are blueprints and pathways for cultural revival, economic empowerment, and community restoration. “You turned struggle into strength, and that struggle forged community leaders who achieved excellence in technology, finance, medicine, the arts, and civil services. In that struggle, your commitment produced entrepreneurs who built companies shaping global markets, and I believe it also produced scholars who enriched the academic world and influenced policy. Through your advancement, the Kashmiri Pandit community reminded the world that resolve, courage, and determination are the greatest weapons. Today, as the world celebrates your accomplishments, it honours your talent, your patience, and the spirit that refused to bow,” the LG told the distinguished members present at the conclave.

He said the return of the Kashmiri Pandit community reflects that after 2019 a new Jammu Kashmir has been born. “The strength of this new Jammu Kashmir reflects your resolve. Its hope reflects your vision. Jammu Kashmir, which witnessed the massacres, pain, and displacement of the Kashmiri Pandit community, has been transformed into a centre of reconstruction by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I often say that history is written by those who rise again after suffering and confronting countless challenges. Having earned global recognition, you are now returning to your roots. This dignified return is also the resolve of the Prime Minister. I salute your courage. I honour your steadfastness. I appreciate your achievements, and I express the commitment that together we will ensure a future brighter than the past and that the pride of the Kashmiri Pandit community will shine again for the welfare of all humanity,” LG Sinha said.

He said that the contribution of the Kashmiri Pandit community towards building a Viksit Bharat would be significant and would play an important role in the nation’s development journey. On the occasion, the participants witnessed various sessions during which distinguished speakers and prominent members of the Kashmiri Pandit community shared their experiences and insights.

Among those present on the occasion were Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister; Uphaar Kotru, President, Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA); Utpal Kaul, International Coordinator and Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD); Ashwani Bhat, President, Kashmiri Pandit Association (KPA) Mumbai; Sanjay Koul, President All Minority Employees Association Kashmir (AMEAK); Autar Krishan Trakroo, social activist and Organising Secretary, Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra; Dileep Mattoo President Jammu Kashmir Vichar Manch (JKVM); and R K Bhat, President, Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj.
Senior officers from the Police and Civil Administration, prominent citizens, youth and a large number of members of the Kashmiri Pandit community also attended the conclave.
 

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