PoJK refugees seek political empowerment

Jammu, December 10

Demanding political empowerment, PoJK refugees have asked the Central government to implement the recommendation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee report-2014 to address their concerns in newly formed Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory.

A meeting of displaced people from areas under the occupation of Pakistan since 1947 was held to discuss emerging political situation in J&K after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5.

Refugees have urged Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) Girish Chandra Murmu to bring a comprehensive road map for final settlement of displaced population who were first victim of Pakistan’s aggression.

“The disbursal of relief package, mutation of land under possession of PoK refugees and adequate compensation in lieu of deficient allotted lands for families are issues which need to be addressed,” said Gurdev Singh, president, J&K Sharnarthi Action Committee (JKSAC). The refugees also demanded adequate compensation for their left out properties in PoJK, political representation in Legislative Assembly after delimitation and employment package for the youth.

“About 5,300 families residing outside J&K should be included in relief package announced by the government few years ago. The earlier governments have refused to consider these families for package benefits,” said Bhushan Sharma, district president, JKSAC. — TNS