Filmmaker and director of the film ‘The Kashmiri Files’, Vivek Agnihotri, has rejected Oxford University’s invitation to participate in a debate on Kashmir calling it “offensive” and “anti-India.”
Announcing his decision on Thursday, Agnihotri tweeted on X, “I was invited by the prestigious Oxford University to debate on Kashmir. I found them offensive, anti-India and anti-Kashmir.”
The theme titled — “This House Believes in an Independent State of Kashmir” seemed unacceptable to Agnihotri. He wrote to Oxford University in response, “Your invitation for a debate is a direct challenge to India’s sovereignty and it is unacceptable to me.”
“Kashmir’s story is not a debate topic; it is a narrative of suffering, resilience and a quest for peace. To reduce it to a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on independence is to ignore the complex tapestry of human emotions and history involved,” he said.
Agnihotri shared the invitation letter which reads, “As the director of the controversial but necessary Kashmir Filed, you are one of the most well-equipped individuals on this challenging topic in today’s highly pressing climate.”
Responding to Agnihotri’s tweet, Anupam Kher wrote on X, Proud of you my friend! They are shameless. Jai Hind.”
Concluding his response, he added, “My decision is not just a decline; it’s a call for Oxford Union to step into the 21st century, where debates are about progress, not about reopening wounds for the sake of intellectual sport.”
