Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 28: BJP MLA from R S Pura, Dr Narinder Singh Raina has complained to the Speaker Legislative Assembly that the Government’s reply on floor of the House in response to his question regarding discrimination in the issuance of ST-2 certificates to PoJK refugees residing outside Rajouri and Poonch is factually incorrect.
In response to the MLA’s Starred Question, “whether it is a fact that Pahari ethnic people living outside Rajouri and Poonch , especially those displaced during the 1947-48 turmoil are facing difficulties in obtaining ST-2 certificate from Tehsildar, particularly in District Jammu”, the Government has replied that no such difficulty was being faced.
In response to another part of the question that whether any clarification has been sought by the Tehsildar/Deputy Commissioner from the concerned departments regarding the issuance of ST-2 certificates to Pahari ethnic people displaced from PoJK, the Government has again replied `no’.
“Pahari ethnic persons displaced during the 1947-48 turmoil, particularly those settled in Jammu District, continue to face undue difficulties in obtaining these certificates, reflecting discriminatory implementation despite the Government’s earlier clarification in Starred Question A.Q. No. 446 that no area-based criterion exists,” the MLA writes to the Speaker, adding, it is therefore essential that the Government should acknowledge this inconsistency, rectify its position, and ensure transparent and uniform issuance of ST-2 certificates to all eligible displaced Pahari persons across districts.
Pertinent to mention that ST-2 certificates are not being issued to PoJK displaced people in Jammu despite their origin being a Pahari.
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