Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said that the controversial movie The Kashmir Files was far from the truth as the movie makers have ignored the sacrifices of the Muslims and Sikhs who had also suffered from militancy.
“When the unfortunate incident of Kashmiri Pandit migration took place, Farooq Abdullah was not the chief minister. Jagmohan was the governor. It was V P Singh’s government at the Centre which was supported by the BJP from outside,” PTI news agency quotes National Conference Vice President Abdullah as talking to reporters in Damal Hanji Pora of Kulgam district of South Kashmir.
“Don’t manipulate the truth. It’s not the right thing.”
He went on to say: “If Kashmiri Pandits have fallen victims to terrorism, we have utmost regret about that, but let us not forget the sacrifices of Muslims and Sikhs who were also targeted by the same gun.”
“Today, there is a need to create an atmosphere where we could bring back all those who had left their homes and not create a communal divide. But I do not think that those people who have made this movie, want them (Kashmiri Pandits) to return. Through this picture, they want Pandits to remain outside always,” he said.
Earlier, in his address, Abdullah said attempts were being made to defame Kashmiri Muslims across the world.
“I am afraid that the hatred which is being created against Kashmiri Muslims today, God forbid, our children studying outside the state, should not bear its brunt,” Abdullah said.
Anupam Kher starrer ‘Kashmir Files’ deals with the story of violence against Kashmiri pandits. Scholars and critics of Hindutva ideology has flagged the film for installing hatred towards Muslims.
The film has been widely endorsed by Hindu nationalist groups. Directed by Vivek Agnihotri, the movie was released on 11 March.
The movie has been given tax-free run in BJP run states of Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa and Tripura.
Meanwhile, Genocidal slogans and anti-Muslim chants were raised by Hindutva groups at Kashmir Files screenings across country.
