PRESS RELEASEClick Here >>> KOA MEETING PM MODI PRESS RELEASE

KASHMIRI OVERSEAS ASSOCIATION (KOA)

Re: Meeting with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

At this historical moment, it was a major victory for the Kashmiri Pandits to be on Prime Minister’s meeting list. The delegation consisted of 17 members, 8 women and 9 men from different organizations who are working together for the same cause. KOA was represented by 4 members (all women) that included the KOA President Shakun Malik, Zonal director Anita Kaul, KOA Secretary Amrita Kar and Youth Director Nisha Quasba. Meeting Modi ji was exciting, somber and emotional. The PM’s acknowledgement that “you have suffered a lot” felt cathartic.

In addition to a memorandum that was signed by the delegates, KOA presented Modi ji messages from our KOA members. Modi ji paused when Amrita explained the “Arnimaal” illustration and showed him the messages some of them also written in Hindi. His face lit up and repeatedly exclaimed and said “Arrey Wah!” while looking at the large file of personal messages from our KOA members and also said “Bahut Achcha kaam kiya hai” – a work well done. He requested the KP community for their support on government’s decision and in future endeavors concerning Kashmir.

This is still the beginning of “Naya Kashmir” process that Modi ji mentioned in his interaction with us.

First time in 70 years of Indian independence, a Prime Minister of India has expressed concern and willingness to address various issues about the Kashmiri Pandit community who have been
refugees in their own country. Refugee community has been living under sub-human conditions for last 25 years when they fled their homes in the valley. Time has come when the government’s effort should be to create conditions conducive for the return of Kashmiri Pandit to their roots with the honor, dignity, and security. We feel that the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A and making Jammu and Kashmir a Union Territory is the first very important step in that direction.

KOA organization is the oldest US based organization with its inception in early 1980’s.The organization has evolved to become a national outfit with 10 regional chapters, documented bylaws, systems and procedures as well as a non-profit status 501(c)(3).It is a socio-cultural organization with a mission to promote and preserve Kashmiri Pandit heritage and to provide financial assistance to needy and deserving Kashmiri Pandit individuals, educational institutions, places of worship and shrines. The organization is a democratically run with about 1000 family members (it could be multiplied by 3 or 4 depending on the family unit) and over 500 youth followers. President and the board members from 10 zones are elected for terms.

Our recent stand after abrogation of articles 370 and 35A has focused on education of bringing facts to light of the misinformation that was being spread in the western world. Upcoming congressional briefing on October 16 th and the KOA all day symposium-Kashmir “The View from Our Eyes” on October 19 th will continue with the theme of educating the western society and the press of malicious misinformation.

During KOA president Shakun Malik’s recent visit to Jammu she met with Mr. Ashok Koul, General Secretary at the local Jammu BJP office and requested that focus be put on social welfare of our migrant community still living in migrant camps 29 years later.

Educational Press ReleaseClick Here >>> KOA PRESS RELEASE SEPTEMBER 2019

Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA)

Indigenous Kashmiri Minorities at the Brink of

Extinction – Courtesy of Article 370

There has been a tremendous amount of confusion, misinformation, and fear being disseminated by propaganda mongers and the ill-informed press about the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A by the government of India. While it is human nature to condemn any injustice, like loss of internet and phone lines to the people living in Kashmir valley, it is also prudent to understand the implication of these articles that shaped the destiny of us minorities of the region over the last 70 years.

KOA Executive Committee – Year 2019More >>

KOA IT / Digital Media Team – Year 2019More >>