Jammu, Mar 14: Panun Kashmir, the organisation representing Kashmiri Pandits, has expelled its former chairman Ajay Chrungoo with immediate effect and ordered an inquiry into his alleged foreign links, including a reported connection with US-based Pakistani ISI agent Ghulam Nabi Fai, according to a circular issued on Saturday.
Chrungoo has been replaced by Tito Ganju, the circular said. Chrungoo was not immediately available for comment.
The circular, issued by Panun Kashmir convenor Agnishekhar, followed consultations with senior leaders and recommendations from general secretary Kuldeep Raina, organising secretary Behari Lal Kaul, publicity and media secretary, vice chairman, and several senior activists.
The leadership stated that the decision was taken to safeguard the “ideological clarity, organisational discipline, and historic mission” of the movement representing the aspirations of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community.
The circular noted serious concerns over Chrungoo’s functioning in the years following a controversial write-up associated with Fai, a convicted ISI agent.
It cited allegations of anti-organisational conduct, deviation from ideological principles, character assassination of senior activists through proxies, attempts to dissolve the organisation without mandate, obstruction to organisational expansion, defuncting of several units, and efforts to create parallel units.
The circular also mentioned statements attributed to Chrungoo criticizing the Ram temple and remarks perceived as hostile towards the nation, which caused concern within the organisation. Questions were raised regarding his foreign engagements and interactions with individuals alleged to have links with hostile agencies, including Fai.
Panun Kashmir sought clarifications from Chrungoo about the purpose and sponsorship of his foreign visits and whether he had obtained the necessary permissions from authorities. Senior office bearers met him on March 14 last year to present their concerns and gave him a chance to respond, but he declined to provide clarifications and refused further engagement. A formal representation sent later also remained unanswered.
“In view of the seriousness of the allegations and the continued absence of clarification, it was resolved that Ajay Chrungoo stands expelled from the organisation with immediate effect,” the circular said.
Tito Ganju has been appointed chairman and will oversee the restructuring of the global organisational structure, with a team nominated by the convenor set to draft a revised constitutional framework.
Panun Kashmir has also decided to constitute a commission of inquiry to examine Chrungoo’s alleged foreign engagements, sponsorship of overseas visits, and interactions with individuals linked to hostile agencies.
An activists’ workshop is scheduled in Jammu on May 24, where the proposed constitutional framework and organisational restructuring will be discussed and formally adopted, the group added. (Agencies)
