Team Blitz India
London: Friends of India Society International (FISI) UK hosted an event, titled ‘Exploring India’s Future: Policy Perspectives on Indic Refugees PostCAA’, at the UK Parliament on May 8. Attendees at the event included MPs Bob Blackman, Theresa Villiers and Virendra Sharma; and Lord Rami Ranger, said a press release issued by FISI. .
During the event, the parliamentarians underscored the importance of freedom of religion and religious tolerance, particularly in countries like Pakistan. They emphasised that every individual should have the liberty to celebrate his/her religion with peace and freedom.
In his keynote address, Kiran Chukkapalli, Founder of Think Peace and Refugee Aid Project, shared poignant stories of young girls who are abducted, forcibly converted and denied contact with their families. He highlighted the failure of the Pakistan Government and the country’s highest court, to protect them.
With such blatant intolerance and human right violation, he said, these girls make their way to India. Recognising the dire circumstances faced by these refugees, his organisation is developing a comprehensive policy to address the specific needs of Hindu and Sikh refugees fleeing persecution. Chukkapalli’s organisation Refugee Aid endeavours to shed light on the arduous journey of persecuted Hindus in Pakistan and their challenges as silent refugees in India.
The FISI event drew a diverse crosssection of Indian diaspora, including councillors, leaders of various community organisations, and journalists. Rajni Negi, an Executive Member of FISI, compered the event, while Vinay Pujari, also an Executive Member, extended Vote of Thanks. Friends of India Society International (FISI) UK is a non-profit organisation that strives to strengthen relationship between the UK and India and also promotes dialogue on India’s social and cultural issues.
