MHA asks J&K to set up Advisory Board for migrants, refugees

Jagti, Talwara camps to be renovated

Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Jan 24: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), headed by veteran BJP leader Rajnath Singh has announced series of more Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) for Jammu and Kashmir, which were aimed at restoration of peace in the Valley and fulfilling commitments made to various sections of society by the PDP and BJP, the Alliance partners, from time to time.
Rajnath announced the CBMs through a communication addressed to the State Government. A copy of the CBMs was in possession of the Excelsior.
Official sources told the Excelsior that one of the most significant decision announced by the Union Home Ministry pertained to migrants and refugees.
The Union Ministry of Homes Affairs has also advised the Jammu and Kashmir Government to formulate ‘Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy’ for the militants, who shun the path of violence and set up high-level committee headed by Director General/Additional Director General to review remaining cases of stone pelters.
“In order to redress the grievances of the migrants including Kashmiri migrants, Jammu migrants, displaced persons of Pakistan occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK), Chhamb and West Pakistani refugees, the Union Home Minister has advised the State Government to immediately constitute an Advisory Board for the migrants,” sources said, adding that the Advisory Board would suggest immediate measures required to help various groups of migrants and refugees, putting up in different parts of Jammu region.
Describing inclusion of grievances of West Pakistani refugees in the Advisory Board, sources said, they were the worst sufferers as so far no concrete measures have been initiated either by Centre or State Governments to address their problems, which have been pending for about seven decades now.
While other migrants including Kashmiri Pandits, PoJK and Chhamb refugees have got something, the West Pakistani refugees were still waiting fulfillment of the assurances meted out to them by the BJP leaders.
However, according to sources, the Centre could come out with “specific plans” for the West Pakistani refugees on the basis of recommendations of the Advisory Board.
Sources said the Advisory Board was likely to be asked to take up all demands, problems and suggestions pertaining to Kashmiri migrants, Jammu migrants, displaced persons of PoJK, Chhamb and West Pakistani refugees and suggest concrete plan for permanent solution of all their grievances.
The Home Ministry, in consultations with the State Government, at high-level has decided that old and dilapidated migrants camps at Jagti and Talwara will be repaired and renovated soon. While Kashmiri Pandits are putting up at Jagti migrant camp in Nagrota, Jammu migrants are camping at Talwara in Reasi district in “worst inhuman conditions”, which were also witnessed by Centre Government’s Special Representative on Jammu and Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma, who has personally visited Talwara.
The Home Ministry and the State Government have also agreed to resume work on artificial lake over river Tawi in Jammu on priority basis to give boost to tourism in Jammu. Some more measures to attract tourists and divert Mata Vaishno Devi Ji pilgrims to Jammu were also being taken, sources said.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs has advised the Jammu and Kashmir Government to constitute a high-level Committee headed by an officer of the rank of Director General/Additional Director General to review remaining cases of stone pelting against students/youth,” sources said.
They added that MHA was of the view that stone pelting cases of non-grievous nature against students/youths should be closed/withdrawn so that they get a chance to focus on their study and pursue their career without any psychological pressure.
Referring to November 23, 2017 announcement of Jammu and Kashmir Government on the advice of Union Ministry of Home Affairs on amnesty scheme for students/youth, who were involved in incidents of stone pelting for the first time, the MHA communiqué said: “under this scheme 3685 students/youth have got relief so far”.
It added that more than 9,000 students/youth are likely to be covered under the scheme.
“The humanitarian steps has been aimed at giving such youth/students another chance to rebuild their career without any stress of being labeled as criminals for the rest of their lives,” the communication said.
It added that in order to provide an opportunity for alternative path of peace and prosperity to the Kashmiri youth, who have joined militancy, the Ministry of Home Affairs has also advised the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to formulate new Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy.
“The Policy will provide them with economic rehabilitation and suitable training to run their own business etc enabling them to return to the mainstream and lead a dignified live,” the communication said.
Significant, the announcement of more CBMs by the Union Home Ministry came at a time when Dineshwar Sharma is camping in the Kashmir valley visiting people and meeting delegations.

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