Washington, Jan 21 (PTI) Marking the exodus of Kashmir pundits from the valley in 1990 due to threats and killings by Pakistani-sponsored terrorists, American actress and singer Mary Millben said her prayers go with the community as many continue to mourn the loss of loved ones, homes and cultural presence.

Every year, the displaced Kashmiri Pandits hold several events in different parts of the world to commemorate the exodus of the community from the Kashmir Valley, recognizing the resilience and noble spirit of the community.

In India on Wednesday, they observed January 19 as “Holocaust Day” to mark the exodus of members of their community from the valley in 1990 due to threats and killings by Pakistani-sponsored terrorists.

American actress and singer Millben, 39, in a statement posted on Twitter, said it marked “Exodus Day” and said her prayers are with the community.

“Religious persecution continues to escalate around the world. Today we remember the horror of Exodus Day – the exile of Kashmiri Pundits due to genocide and ethnic cleansing of Kashmir at the hands of Islamist terrorists. My prayers are with the Kashmiri Pandit community as many continue to mourn the loss of loved ones, homes and cultural presence,” Millben said.

“As a citizen of the world and a woman of faith, my voice and my platform will always be for you, religious freedom and a global policy that protects and preserves the exercise of faith. The persecution of Christians, the rise of anti-Semitism and hatred towards Jews, genocide against Hindus and others continue today. I challenge Americans and citizens of the world not to become complacent in the face of these evils,” she said.

Over the past two years, Millben has become very popular in India and among American Indians after singing the Indian national anthem and the devotional song “Om Jai Jagdish Hare”.

Millben, also known as America’s “national anthem singer”, has performed the national anthem and patriotic music for three consecutive US presidents – George W Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump, international royals and leaders global.

She shares a deep love and a very intimate relationship with India, the Indo-American community and Indian communities around the world.

India discovered its artistry for the first time during the celebration of the 74th Independence Day of India in 2020 – a virtual performance of the Indian national anthem broadcast in the United States, India and on the global television and digital platforms.

The performance, now seen by millions around the world, catapulted Millben’s friendship with India, according to a statement.

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