India Post News Service
MILIPITAS, California: Kashmir Hindu Foundation Inc (KHF), an organization dedicated to the cause of Kashmiri Hindus, celebrated the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the union of India at an event titled Akhand Bharat held at India Community Center, Milpitas, California, August 11. KHF also held similar events in other cities in the US, including Los Angeles, Ft Lauderdale in Florida, and Washington.
The Revocation of Articles 370 and 35A and the formation of two new union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is perhaps the biggest event in the history of independent India, the KHF said in a statement. August 5, 2019. will go down into history books, a day as important as August 15th, the Indian Independence Day,” it stated
“Government of India should take steps to declare all the properties sold by the displaced Kashmiri Pandits after 1989-90, as ‘Distress Sales’ and declare such sales as null and void and accordingly, restore possession of the properties back to respective Kashmiri Pandits who were recorded owners,” KHF president Ankit Monga said.
The event was attended by various Indian organizations and their heads including Dr Romesh Japra of FOG, Chandru Bhambhra of BJP, Jyotsna Sharma of Telegu Association and Mihir Meghani of Hindu American Foundation (HAF) as also leaders of organizations from other states of India. 
“The full integration of J&K had been the dream of every nationalist Indian right from Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee to our over billion people. The duo of (Prime Minister Narendra) Modiji and (Home Minister) Amit Shahji, whom I see as the modern day Krishna and Arjuna have made it possible” said Naveen Zalpuri of KHF
Anshoo Tikoo Zutshi added to the festivities by singing Kashmiri songs close to hearts of Kashmiri Hindus who long to go back to their home.
“We were hounded out from our homeland only because we were seen to be representing India in the valley. And now after 30 long years, we finally have been vindicated and justice has been delivered. Now we can hope to return to our homeland “ said Rajeev Sumbly of KHF.
“One of the greatest days of my life will be when Kashmiri Hindus can walk around Dal Lake without worrying about their lives, and with Indian flags hanging from houses,” Mihir Meghani, co-founder of HAF, said.
“While laws have changed, we have much work to do to correct the false narrative being spread,” he said.
“The changes that the government of India made were done in a legal and democratic process to provide equal rights to all the people of the former state. We should all devote some energy to getting out the reality that the regions of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh are integral and ancient parts of India, that recent changes in how the regions are administered are meant to improve the education, health and economic opportunities of the people of the state, and that most people of the former state and the overwhelming majority of the people of India, members of India’s Parliament, and political parties wanted these legal changes to happen.
“The Hindu American Foundation looks forward to continuing our partnership with the Kashmir Hindu Foundation that began this summer where we jointly advocated on Capitol Hill for Kashmiri Hindus. We urge people to tell the US Congress to support the Indian government’s move towards resolving the Kashmir conflict by contacting their Representatives.
Chandra Bhambra, president of Overseas Friends of BJP, said he was thrilled that Article 370 has been revoked and wanted to spend weeks in a shikara in Kashmir.
Dr Romesh Japra, a renowned heart surgeon and founder of FOG (Festival of Globe), was also excited about celebrating Kashmir’s integration with India. Dr Japra has been leading the celebration of India’s Independence Day in Fremont for the last 26 years. He declared that this year’s Festival, to be held this coming weekend, will be dedicated to Kashmir.
Jyotsna Sharma, president of Telegu Association president, said that she does not feel restricted to go back to Kashmir.
Mani Keeran from Tamil Nadu and also vice president of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh HSS, North California, talked about the Shaivism connection between Kashmir and Kanyakumari.
“Tamils have Emotional connection to Kashmir. Kashmir belongs to us,” Keeran said. “They (Kashmiris) are part of us and we are part of them. We own Kashmir, Kashmir owns us.”
Arti, a Kashmiri activist, recited a couplet: “Iss marz ke liye har dava ko aazma ke dekh liya, waqt ka takaza hai ki ek moka dava ko bhi diya jaye. (So it is a bitter pill, it may hurt, it may side effects but over the time will fix the issues.)”
She thanked everyone across the nation who stood by the Kashmiris and supported them.
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