AMK conference demands classical status for Kashmiri

Saroori assures Govt help for promotion of language  

Kishtwar, June 27: The 31st Annual Conference of Adbi Markaz Kamraz, which concluded here on Sunday, passed several important resolutions for the safeguard and promotion of Kashmiri language in the state.

The resolutions included demand of classical status for Kashmiri language, inclusion of Kashmiri as a subject in schools of Jammu region and broadcasting of Kashmiri programmes from Radio Kashmir Jammu and Doordarshan Jammu according to the percentage of Kashmiri speaking people in Jammu.

The resolutions, unanimously passed by the two-day conference, were read by Prof Muhammad Zaman Azurda, Bashir Baderwahi and Farooq Nazki.

In his presidential address on the occasion, Minister for Roads and Buildings, G M Saroori assured all possible help from the government in the implementation of these resolutions.

“We have to take effective practical steps for propagation and grass root expansion of Kashmiri as a language,” said Saroori.

Suggesting AMK to start its centers in Kishtwar and Baderwah besides organizing another annual conference in the same region known as “invisible Kashmir”, Saroori said the Vailoo-Chatroo tunnel would shorten the travelling distance between Islamabad and Kishtwar to just a little more than an hour. “The five km tunnel will at least reduce the distance by around 60 kms.” Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Education, G A Peer also assured AMK of support for implementation of Kashmiri language in Jammu region.

“We have printed all books and required material. We just need to implement Kashmiri language as a subject in Jammu region,” said Peer.

Presenting the annual report of AMK, Dr Shuja’at Bukhari said, “The borders of AMK are expanding beyond Valley. Its circle is widening. We are in the 40th year of foundation of AMK and there was no better way to celebrate it than to remember the sons of the invisible Kashmir.”

AMK president, Aziz Hajini expressed concern over the deteriorating situation of the valley and stressed on the need for concerted intellectual response. “We are feeling the pain of whatever is happening and our literati need to react in intellectual way,” said Hajini.

“We are yet to produce literature marvels which are usually produced in such situations. It is unfortunate. Or may be some people have written it but are not revealing it due to many apprehensions,” he added.

Meanwhile, several awards were given out for individual and organizational contributions towards the promotion of Kashmiri language. Renowned poet and academician Prof Margoob Banihali was awarded with “Sharfi Kamraz.” The award comprised of a citation, certificate and a token amount.

The Sharfi Kamraz award for organization was given to ‘Kashur Bazm-i-Adab Banhal’ for concerted efforts in the promotion of Kashmiri language.

The award of ‘Khilat-i-Hanfi Sopori’ was given to Meezan publishers for their contribution in publication of Kashmiri books, Moulvi Akhzar Husain for his Kashmiri sermons on Fridays at different religious places and Secretary Education G A Peer for his contribution in implementation of Kashmiri as a subject in schools.

‘Prof Mohiuddin Hajni Gold Medal’ sponsored by Kashmiri weekly, Sangarmal, was conferred on Ishfaq Ahmed Bhat, who topped the post graduate course in Kashmiri at University of Kashmir.

On the occasion, a collection of poems ‘Subhai Subhai’ by Habubullah Kumar was released by Minister for Roads and Buildings, G M Saroori.

Senior poet and writer Mashal Sultanpuri presented vote of thanks while noted playwright Muhammad Amin Bhat compeered the proceedings of the two-day conference.

Meanwhile, the first-day dinner for the delegates of the conference was hosted by Saroori while the second-day breakfast was hosted by MLA Kishtwar, Sajad Ahmad Kichloo.