India has noted with concern the attempts by “vested interests to misrepresent Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural and social mosaic to divide the people” after the New York State Assembly passed a resolution calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to declare February 5 as Kashmir American Day.
The resolution to observe February 5 as Kashmir American Day was passed by a majority vote in the New York State Legislative Assembly and the Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo issued the notification after the assembly passed the resolution.
This Resolution makes New York the first State to recognise Kashmir American Day which would “celebrate the Kashmiri identity”.
It recognises Kashmiris as “those who speak Koshur language”, irrespective of faith and recognises that the Kashmiris have overcome adversity, shown perseverance, and established themselves as one of the pillars of New York.
Commenting on the resolution, a spokesperson of India’s Embassy in Washington said: “We have seen the New York Assembly Resolution regarding Kashmir American Day. Like the US, India is a vibrant democracy and the pluralistic ethos of 1.35 billion people are a matter of pride.”
“India celebrates its diversity and rich cultural mosaic, including in Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral and inalienable part of India. We note with concern the attempt by vested interests to misrepresent the rich cultural and social mosaic of Jammu and Kashmir to divide the people. We will engage with the elected representatives in the New York State on all matters concerning India-US partnership and the diverse Indian diaspora,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying by Press Trust of India on Saturday in response to queries on the resolution.
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