Historic interaction between litterateurs

Civil society Govt, political parties active support to be solicited for preserving Kashmiri civilisation  

In a historic conference with the members of civil society, Adbee Markaz Kamraz (AMK) today decided to launch a concerted campaign and form a comprehensive strategy for the promotion and preservation of Kashmiri language           In a historic conference with the members of civil society, Adbee Markaz Kamraz (AMK) today decided to launch a concerted campaign and form a comprehensive strategy for the promotion and preservation of Kashmiri language and literature. Meanwhile, an eleven- member committee was set-up to take-up different issues of the language with the government.

In an effort to galvanise all sections of society vis-à-vis the “language movement,” AMK held a detailed interaction with civil society in a conference in the Seminar Hall of Youth Hostel, Wazir Bagh Srinagar. Representatives of different sections of society, including academicians, lawyers, teachers, businessmen, former administrators, conservationists and doctors participated in the conference. During the threadbare discussions, various proposals were put forth and several decisions taken for the promotion of Kashmiri language and literature. The conference while extending wholehearted support to AMK, resolved to be active part of its “language movement.” To take up the issues of Kashmiri language directly with the government, including teaching of the language in the 9th and 10th classes, an eleven-member committee was set up which would be meeting the Chief Minister as a first step of the strategy. The members of the committee are: Prof Rahman Rahi, Prof Muhammad Zaman Azurdah, Ghulam Nabi  Khayal, Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, Zareef Ahmad Zareef, Shehzadi Simon, Prof C L Vishen, Shakeel Qalandar, Nusrat Bashir with Dr Aziz Hajni and Dr Shujaat Bukhari as joint convenors.

The first of its interaction between the litterateurs and civil society discussed various issues of the Kashmiri language and literature and shared their viewpoints. Most importantly, it was decided that those political parties who will not support the promotion and preservation of Kashmiri language and culture, shall be taken on jointly by the AMK and the civil society. The conference was unanimous to oppose any move to change the Persio-Arabic script of the language, while as it was resolved that cultural aggression from government or non-government forces shall be resisted will all the force. The participants laid stress on the promotion of the language at local levels, for which several suggestions were put forth.  Maintaining that Kashmiri language is a symbol and guardian of collective identity of Kashmiri culture and civilisation, the conference resolved to seek support from all sections of society to preserve this identity and civilisation.

Earlier, welcoming the participants AMK President Dr Aziz Hajni said this historic interaction between litterateurs and civil society shall strengthen the foundations of lasting cooperation between the two in the larger interests of collective identity of Kashmiris irrespective of region or religion.

Thanking the participants, AMK General Secretary Dr Shujaat Bukhari said the unified efforts by AMK and civil society will be a consortium which has to take the responsibility to preserve not only Kashmiri language but centuries-old Kashmiri culture and civilisation.

Among the other office bearers and representatives of AMK constituents, those who attended and spoke in today’s historic interaction include: Prof Rahman Rahi, Prof Muhammad Zaman Azurdah, Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, Zareef Ahmad Zareef, Shehzadi Simon, Abdul Qayoom Wadera, Ghulam Nabi Gouhar, Prof Shad Ramzan, Muhammad Ahsan Ahsan, Prof Neerja Matto, Dr Javid Iqbal, Z G Muhammad, Bashir Ahmad Bashir, Shamshad Kralwari, Muhammad Saleem Beig, Prof C L Vishen, Abdal Mehjoor, Adv Riyaz Khawar, Brij Nath Betab, Ayaz Rasool Nazki, Dr Shahid Rasool, Shakeel Qalandar, Dr Mubarak, Mushtaq Keeni, Ghulam Nabi Parray, Ajaz Ahmad Kakroo, Dr Farooq Fayaz, Nisar Gilani, Bhawani Bashir Yasir,  Ashfaq Lone, Sheikh Tariq Javid, Asrar Sultanpori, Waheed Jeelani, Altaf Gowhar, Dr Shafaqat Altaf, Raouf Ahmad Zargar, Dr Imtiyaz Shah, Nazir Ahmad Wani and Riyaz Rahgeer.