New Delhi: The killing of Congress Sarpanch and Kashmiri Pandit Ajay Pandita in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir evoked strong reaction from Bollywood on Wednesday, which, besides condemning the cold-blooded murder, also demanded safe return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland.
From outspoken actress Kangna Ranaut to veteran Anupam Kher, the fraternity showed unison in denouncing the shooting of 35-year-old Sarpanch, which took place near Lok Bawan Larkipora in south Kashmir district of Anantnag on Monday.
As per sources, the Sarpanch was critically injured and rushed to Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, where he was declared brought dead.
Ranaut urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take strict action against the atrocities done on Kashmiri Pandits. In a video shared through Twitter, Kangna lambasted over the 'selective secularism' of Bollywood and the ''so-called liberals''.
"We have several times seen that our Bollywood artists, time and again, have expressed their views selectively on some issues, but most of the times, when there is a Jihadi hand behind it. But if they have to give justice to some other person, they would not utter a word", she said, holding a white placard that read 'I Am Hindustan, I am Ashamed. Justice for Ajay Pandita. Murder in Anantnag. Jammu and Kashmir'.
She even spoke about the population decline of Hindus in Kashmir and the gradual spread of Islam in the Valley.The versatile actress, who has earlier been vocal about several social issues, urged Mr Modi to send the Kashmiri Pandits back home. "Give them their lands, spread Hinduism once again", she averred.
Bollywood veteran Anupam Kher shared a video on his social media accounts, wherein he was seen visibly shaken by the incident.
''Deeply saddened & angry at the merciless killing of the lone #KashmiriPandit sarpanch #AjayPandita in Anantnag yesterday. My heartfelt condolences to his family. There is an obvious silence from the usual suspects who cry their heart hoarse otherwise. #JusticeForAjayPandita,'' he tweeted.
President of the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association Ashok Pandit condemned the heinous crime.In a series of tweets, the social activist and filmmaker posted, ''Sacred thread soaked in blood which is tied on d arm of #ShahidAjayPandita reflects d pain, agony & suffering of 7 lac #KashmiriPandits since last 30 yrs. D screams of #SarlaBhat #PremnathBhat #TikalalTaploo &many others still echoes in our ears. #KashmiriHinduLivesMatter
''I demand the status of a #Martyr to #AjayPandita (Sarpanch ) who was killed today in the valley by terrorists. A compensation of atleast 50 lacs & a govt. job to his family member. The killers should be hanged in public. #KashmiriHinduLivesMatter #KashmirSarpanchKilled,'' Mr Pandit demanded.
Producer, Director of award-winning movies like 'My Brother Nikhil' and 'Bas Ek Pal,' Onir posted on Twitter, ''Strongly condemn the terrorist assassination Sarpanch Ajay Pandita in South Kashmir's Anantnag district. Shameful. Very sad to see the recent increasing attack on minorities and civilians by terrorists.''(UNI)