india

Updated: Nov 24, 2016 12:59 IST

On a peace mission, spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shanker on Wednesday said there is a need to change the DNA of misguided Kashmiris.

“We are here to change of genes of those who created troubles in the Valley. The mistrust and fear, which has made its way into their DNA, we will try to change that. Moreover, scientists have proved that DNA can be changed,” Sri Sri said while talking to reporters after launching South Asian Peace Forum Programme here on Wednesday.

Elaborating on the forum, he said, “The forum was launched with an objective to have a firsthand authentic account of the affairs of Kashmir from the people of great understanding and comprehension about Kashmir and its affairs. 90% of neglected people of Kashmir want peace and development, but they have been left behind. There was an urgent need for building a platform for neglected areas and population of the society.”

“It was felt that ideas and thoughts of intellectuals and common man of Kashmir Valley are heard and we cannot remain prisoners to a particular ideology. To work with fresh mindset in this direction, this forum was launched,” he added.

“Many ‘Imams’ with tears in their eyes complain that nobody, even from the government, is interested in listening to us. They want peace and progress but complain that nobody is willing to listen to their concerns,” he said.

Seeking a fresh approach to solve the vexed Kashmir problem, Sri Sri said, “Mainly, there is a trust deficit. People do not have trust on each other. People of the Valley do not trust government, nor do they trust social organisations”.

“We need to overcome that trust deficit and for this, the time has come for intellectuals, actors, religious heads and civil society of the Valley to come forward. As only Kashmiris can bring solution to the chronic Kashmir issue,” he added.

“Youth who were earlier stone pelters, youth who were involved in militancy and drug addicts, have come from every nook and corner of the Valley in this initiative. These youth are now talking of peace as they seek fresh beginning”, he said.

Without naming separatists and mischief mongers in the Valley, Sri Sri said, “For some, the conflict has become a ‘cash cow’. If they earn their livelihood from trouble, then why would they leave it? Common citizens are bearing the brunt of turmoil. To marginalise these people, society need to come forward.”

He said, “People who are suffering are completely taken unaware of it.”

“Such elements earn in the name of struggle and freedom movements, but unfortunately they also do not understand what ‘azadi’ (freedom) means in the true sense,” he asserted.

Sri Sri also condemned the mutilation of the body of a soldier by Pakistan Army. “It is a very sad state. Such type of human rights violations with jawans and in the Pakistan occupied Kashmir is very unfortunate,” he said.

He also supported the demonstration process and termed it as an action against terrorism and drug menace.