Kashmiri pandits concerned over targeted killings, propose fact-finding delegation to Valley
Jammu (PTI): Several Kashmiri migrant pandit organisations on Tuesday expressed concern over the unabated targeted killings by terrorists in the Valley and proposed a fact-finding delegation to assess the ground situation.
Panun Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir Vichar Manch, Roots in Kashmir, Youth 4 Panun Kashmir and Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD) representatives met and discussed the situation in the valley in the aftermath of the continued attacks on minority community members, including pandits, a statement issued here by the parties said.
The joint meeting took place in the aftermath of the killing of two migrant labourers and a Kashmiri pandit in two separate attacks in Shopian district of south Kashmir since Saturday.
"All the organistaions in the meeting endorsed several demands including creation of a 'geo-political' foothold to facilitate rehabilitation of pandits in their homeland and enactment of genocide prevention bill along with setting up of special investigation teams to assist in investigating crimes of genocide," the statement said.
The parties also called for the constitution of a tribunal to look into cases related to the pandit community and relocation of Prime Minister Package employees outside the valley in order to avoid further target killings in Kashmir.
"It was also agreed to send a fact-finding committee to the valley to assess the ground situation, for community deliberation on the future course of action," the statement said.
It said the latest killings of two migrant labourers and a Kashmiri pandit a few days back in Shopian is "another setback to the return of the aborigines of Kashmir ''.
"The internally-displaced Hindus of Kashmir are caught up between the forces that continue to perpetrate genocide on them and the forces of denial of genocide The neutering of Article 370 and abrogation of Article 35A along with the reorganisation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories has dismantled the legal edifice of a Muslim state on the territory of secular India," the statement said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Speaker Khader dismisses BJP's charges of 'delay' in swearing-in of Jeevaraj as MLA
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader on Wednesday rejected opposition BJP's allegations of delaying the swearing-in of D N Jeevaraj as MLA, asserting that the process was being handled strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions and rules.
BJP candidate Jeevaraj, who had lost the 2023 Sringeri Assembly election to Congress leader T D Raje Gowda, was declared elected late Sunday night after reverification and recounting of postal ballots in compliance with a High Court order.
The recount reduced 255 votes from Gowda's tally, overturning his earlier victory margin of 201 votes and reversing the result.
The recount followed an election petition filed by Jeevaraj.
Addressing reporters, Khader maintained that there was no delay in administering the oath to Jeevaraj, who was declared elected from the Sringeri Assembly constituency after a High Court-ordered recount of postal ballots.
“Where have we delayed? The application was submitted at 11 am. If an application is given in the morning and by evening someone says it’s delayed — how is that a delay?” he said, dismissing the allegations.
The Speaker said the matter involved 'technical issues' that required examination before fixing a date for oath-taking.
“When such a matter comes, we also need to examine it and take a decision as per rules. If an application is given in the morning, at least 24 hours must be given,” he said.
Khader stressed that his role was bound by the Constitution and not influenced by political considerations.
“When an elected MLA asks for time, we must give it under the Constitution and law. Can we refuse? No, we have to give it,” he said, rejecting suggestions that he was acting under party pressure.
He also underlined the need for trust in democratic institutions amid the controversy.
“A democracy and parliamentary system must function on trust. Without that, how can democracy be strengthened? Trust is essential,” he said, cautioning against creating suspicion around constitutional positions.
On claims that the delay was linked to the ongoing political and legal dispute over the recount, Khader said the issue did not fall within his purview.
“My responsibility is to act as per the Constitution and rules. I will ensure that whatever is due to them is done as soon as possible,” the Speaker explained.
He said he had already communicated his position when contacted and would formally inform the concerned parties. “There is no delay, nor any intention to delay. I will discharge my duties as per the Constitution,” he said.
Khader also pointed to possible legal complications in hastily administering the oath.
“If I give the oath to one person and tomorrow the court declares someone else the winner, what happens then? Will it automatically cancel? Will confusion arise?” he asked, indicating the need for due diligence.
On concerns that Jeevaraj had lost over two years of tenure, the Speaker said representation was linked to that constituency rather than an individual.
“Whoever becomes the MLA represents the constituency. Benefits are not given to an individual,” he said, adding that issues of alleged irregularities should be examined by the Election Commission.
The remarks come after the Leader of Opposition BJP in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka on Wednesday accused the Speaker of 'deliberately' delaying the oath and approached Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot seeking intervention, even suggesting that the Governor administer the oath if required.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed the process 'Vote Dacoity' by Jeevaraj and said an FIR has been registered against the newly elected Sringeri MLA.
Defending the recount process, Jeevaraj denied allegations of tampering, while the High Court has stayed an FIR filed against him in connection with the postal ballot issue.
