New Delhi: Former Union Minister, Suresh Prabhu, launches ‘1967 Parmeshwari Movement of Kashmir,’ a book that delves deep into a significant agitation of independent India led by Kashmiri Pandits in 1967.
The movement was sparked by the mysterious disappearance of a 16-year-old girl who left home one morning and never returned, causing a wave of unrest that brought Kashmir to a standstill.
During the agitation, more than 5,000 Kashmiri Pandits were arrested, dozens lost their lives, and numerous others were injured. Despite the challenges, the Parmeshwari agitation showcased an unprecedented display of courage and resilience within the Valley’s Pandit community.
The book sheds light on a crucial turning point in history when the former Home Minister of India intervened in Kashmir to undermine the movement. The authorities made false promises, pledging to find the missing girl and put an end to the persecution faced by minorities in Kashmir. Regrettably, none of these promises were fulfilled, and Parmeshwari never returned home.
According to the book’s author, Ashish Kaul, this narrative goes beyond being a mere story; it portrays a critical juncture in time that remains significant in the struggle faced by Kashmiri Pandits during that period. The book highlights the complexities and challenges they encountered and the emotional toll it took on the community.