*Flays NSFA integration move
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 8: Working president of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) and former minister, Raman Bhalla today assured the displaced Kashmiri migrants that the Congress Party would continue to stand firmly with the community and fight for their just and genuine demands.
Interacting with a delegation of Kashmiri migrants here today, Bhalla strongly opposed the Government’s reported decision to merge the relief ration benefits of displaced migrants with the provisions of the National Food Security Act (NFSA). He termed the move “unjustified” and warned that such a decision could weaken and dilute the distinct identity and status of the displaced migrant community, which has suffered immense hardships over the past several decades.
The delegation headed by Hira Lal Pandita, Chairman Migrant Cell of JKPCC, said that the Displaced Kashmiri Pandits were provided with ration cards in 1990 that are “temporary” in nature. These cards recognize their status as a conflict-displaced community, distinct from ordinary economic beneficiaries.
The Govt’s action of forcibly enrolling these ration cards into NFSA structure is a ploy to somehow relieve the pressure on the Govt regarding the absence of any practical plans on their long pending permanent rehabilitation back within Kashmir.
Every such ration card holder has only one specific category – a category of displaced survivor. By classifying them into priority & non-priority, etc, categories, is a mischief being committed against them.
Expressing concern over the issue, Bhalla said that the migrant community had already endured years of pain, displacement, and uncertainty, and any move that undermines their special relief structure would only add to their grievances. He assured full support to the migrants.
Former minister Yogesh Sawhney, Ved Mahajan, Iqbal Dar, Gurdarshan Singh, Virender Manhas, and other senior leaders also interacted with the delegation and assured full support to the displaced community.
The delegation included- Rajeev Kaul, Chuni Lal Raina, Raj Kumar Dhar, RL Bhat, Shubam Jee Raina, Virender Ganjoo, Sameer Raina, DK Pandita and others.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
