Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 17: Provincial President National Conference Devender Singh Rana on Wednesday urged the Government to consider setting up of a Refugee Board for welfare of the people displaced from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) in 1947, 1965 and 1971 on the analogy of Boards for Welfare of Kissans, SC/ST and other segments of society.
Interacting with a delegation of the PoK refugees here this morning, Mr Rana also pleaded for one time mega package for PoK Refugees while saying that National Conference is committed to addressing to their grievances.
“The Chief Minister has been pursuing the matter with the Centre and recently he took up these issues with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh during his visit to Srinagar”, Mr Rana said and hoped that Omar Abdullah will consider constitution of a Board for the welfare of PoK refugees, which will go a long way in assuaging their aspirations.
The delegation led by Capt Yudhvir Singh Chib met the Provincial President here this morning.
Mr Rana said the demands of the refugees were genuine and these need to be redressed on immediate basis. He said that apart from the Chief Minister, a high level National Conference delegation also took up the matter with the Prime Minister and high level team accompanying him.
“National Conference has been advocating on every fora the issues of PoK refugees, which deserve a humanistic consideration”, he said, adding that his party will do whatever is necessary to mitigate their problems.
Reiterating the commitment of National Conference to the vision of a vibrant, progressive and united Jammu and Kashmir, the Provincial President said these distinct characteristics have to be guarded at all costs. He pledged that his party will stand like a solid rock to safeguard the interests of all the segments of society.
He sought the cooperation of the people in further strengthening National Conference at grass roots for achieving the objective of peace and holistic development of the three regions. He said an ambitious beginning has been made in this regard and substantial achievements registered during the past four and half years. He said continued cooperation of the people will help in steering Jammu and Kashmir to new heights of progress and development.
Present on the occasion among others were Th. Kashmir Singh, Jaipal Sharma, Kulbir Singh, Hari Singh, Rohal Singh, Monu Ram, Bachnoo Devi, Mohan Singh, Puran Singh and others
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