Refusing to fly to Oxford, does Vivek Agnihotri truly consider debating Kashmir?

By Raqif Makhdoomi* 
The people of Kashmir find themselves entrenched in a web of stereotypes and misconceptions. A common query I receive from outsiders is, “Are you a stone pelter?” My typical response is, “Do you vote for the BJP?” More often than not, I hear, “Being Hindu doesn’t mean I vote BJP.” Their reaction serves as my defense, a means to counter the prejudice they display.
This encounter prompts reflection on the broader stereotypes surrounding Kashmiris. A prominent figure in this discourse is filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, who in 2022 released “The Kashmir Files,” a film laden with falsehoods about the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits.
The film’s content warranted a ban, filled as it is with distortions of reality and devoid of factual basis. Instead, it was granted tax-free status, enabling the unchecked spread of hatred.
Despite Agnihotri’s intentions, which seem aimed at inflaming tensions, the film did not achieve its goal of inciting animosity. Though it grossed over 340.92 crore globally, it faced widespread criticism both domestically and internationally.
Yet, mainstream media often downplayed this backlash, perpetuating the film's narrative, which was unchallenged by the very Kashmiri Pandits it portrayed.
Agnihotri, who conducted multiple press briefings, declined an opportunity for a debate at Oxford University regarding the Kashmir issue. It seems contradictory for someone releasing a documentary on such a sensitive topic to refuse engagement in academic discourse. I suspect that even a fifth grader from Kashmir could dismantle his arguments in a debate.

The youth of Kashmir are well-informed and vocal; our experiences—like witnessing the Shopian rape and murder case in 2009 or the abrogation of Article 370—enable us to critically evaluate such narratives. 

In his letter to Ebrahim Osman-Mowely, President of the Oxford Union Society, Agnihotri contends that the debate titled “This House believes in an Independent J&K State” is a direct affront to India’s sovereignty. He claims to represent 1.4 billion people and the displaced “indigenous Hindus,” yet neglects to acknowledge the thousands of Kashmiri youths imprisoned or labeled responsible for the exodus of Pandits.

Agnihotri believes discussions on Kashmir’s sovereignty can't occur when Pandits remain displaced. This assertion warrants scrutiny

Before presuming to speak for all Indians, he should consider whether Kashmiris agree with his assertions. In his letter, Agnihotri presents three main points starting with a remark on Kashmiri Pandits, followed by a mention of the constitutionality of the August 5, 2019 decision. Most notably, he concludes that discussions on Kashmir’s sovereignty cannot occur while Kashmiri Pandits remain displaced due to the threat of Islamic terrorism.
This assertion warrants scrutiny; if the Prime Minister insists that Kashmir is free from terrorism, why does Agnihotri claim ongoing threats justify the Pandits’ displacement? This contradiction begs examination: either the Prime Minister is misinformed, or Agnihotri is avoiding the debate.
The letter culminates in an almost comical declaration: "With a heart full of Bharat and a mind open for meaningful dialogue." It raises the question of whether he truly considers a debate on Kashmir as meaningful. Instead of engaging in genuine conversation, he seems intent on using film as a platform for propaganda.
Agnihotri may find that the digital age ensures that no narrative remains unchallenged and that individuals like him will be held accountable for their attempts to manipulate discourse.
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*Raqif Makhdoomi is a law student and human rights activist