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Intellectuals oppose Devanagri script for Kashmiri

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR, AUG. 12. Taking strong exception to the Union Government's move to introduce Devanagri script for Kashmiri language, various cultural and literary organisations here have decided to launch a Valley-wide agitation to force the Government to reconsider its decision.

The Union Human Resource Development Ministry's plans to introduce the script came up for discussion at the two-day conference of Adabi Markaz Kamraz (AMK) held in Kupwara. A host of writers, littérateurs and cultural activists expressed their resentment over this move stating that it was a "clandestine step" being taken at the behest of some "vested interests" who want to hijack the language and give the issue a communal colour. A resolution was passed at the conference to impress upon the government to withdraw the order forthwith or "be ready for dangerous implications which are bound to follow".

"This is an attack on Kashmiri language and we will fight it tooth and nail," said Aziz Hajini, secretary general of Adabi Markaz Kamraz, a four-decade old non-governmental organisation working towards promotion of Kashmiri language.

It is not only the Markaz which has mobilised its workers, but a number of organisations and individuals have come forth to take part in the struggle. Hajini further said that a well knit strategy was being formulated in a couple of days in consultation with other like minded groups. "We will take this struggle to people and make them aware about the designs of those who work against our language," he said.

According to reports, a committee is being set up which will not only lead the agitation but will also take various sections of the society into confidence, including politicians from both mainstream and separatist camps. A memorandum is being sent to the Prime Minister and HRD Minister asking them to withdraw such a move to avoid further mistrust among the people of Kashmir.

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