India lodges protest with Pakistan over 'AJK Constitution Act'
New Delhi, June 11: India on Monday said it has lodged a "strong protest" with Pakistan against the "Azad Jammu and Kashmir Interim Constitution (13th Amendment) Act 2018" and asked the neighbouring country to vacate all areas it illegally occupies in Kashmir.
"The government of India has conveyed a strong protest through diplomatic channel today against the so-called 'Azad Jammu and Kashmir Interim Constitution (13th Amendment) Act 2018'," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.
"It was clearly conveyed that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Azad Jammu and Kashmir' is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947," it stated.
"Any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan has no legal basis whatsoever, and is completely unacceptable. Instead of seeking to alter the status of the occupied territories, Pakistan should immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation."
The Amendment Act was passed by the assembly of Pakistan-administered Kashmir on June 1 transferring the powers of the "Azad Jammu Kashmir Council" to the "Azad Jammu Kashmir government".
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Udupi: Inaugural edition of Tulunad Conclave 2025 to be held on April 13
Udupi (Katpadi): The inaugural edition of Tulunad Conclave – 2025, organized by the Tulu Cultural Research Foundation, is all set to take place on April 13 at the Saptapadi Auditorium, Vishwanatha Kshetra, Katpadi.
The one-day conclave, running from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, is a landmark effort to preserve and promote the rich legacy of the Tulu language, literature, and cultural heritage among future generations.
Scholars, cultural enthusiasts, and language activists from across the Tulu-speaking belt—from Kasaragod to Udupi—will gather for in-depth discussions on various aspects of Tulu identity, including its folklore, literary tradition, and the long-standing campaign for official recognition of Tulu.
The foundation, which has been at the forefront of promoting the Tulu script, will also unveil several new books written in Tulu script during the event. This follows the successful publication of six Tulu-script books by the foundation in the previous year.
A major highlight of the conclave will be the official launch of Mallige, a Unicode-compatible ASCII Tulu font developed by Prahlad P. Tantri, along with a dedicated Tulu Unicode keyboard layout.
In an effort to unify efforts for Tulu’s constitutional recognition, a high-profile panel discussion will bring together political leaders, cultural figures, and language advocates. The panel will deliberate on strategic approaches to strengthen the Tulu identity at political, institutional, and grassroots levels.
The cultural richness of Tulunad will also be on vibrant display. From 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, the audience will be treated to traditional Tulu cultural performances, including a much-anticipated act by the acclaimed Kemmanu Sisters.
A special segment titled Tulunadu Javanere Samavesha (Youth Conclave of Tulunad), presided over by Mahi Mulki, President of the Tulu Cultural Research Foundation, will focus on engaging the younger generation in the Tulu movement.
A Tulu book fair will run throughout the day, and the foundation will also honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Tulu language and culture with its prestigious Sadhana Puraskara.
Adding to the significance of the day, the official website of the Tulu Cultural Research Foundation will be launched, providing a digital platform to support its ongoing initiatives.
