Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 12: The police foiled the protest rally of erstwhile Doda migrants when they were marching towards Civil Secretariat from Mubarak Mandi complex here today.
The migrants from Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban districts assembled at Mubarak Mandi, under the banner of Erstwhile Doda Migrants Committee (Jammu) at around 11 am. Chairman of the Committee Rakesh Kumar Sharma, vice chairman Som Raj and general secretary Som Nath, were leading.
Carrying banners and placards, depicting their demands, the protesters started their rally towards Civil Secretariat. When they reached near Chowk Chabutra, a strong contingent of police intercepted then and foiled their attempt. Though, the migrants resisted police action, yet they were not allowed to move ahead.
Rakesh Kumar alleged that Doda migrants are facing discrimination as they are not being provided relief at par with Kashmiri migrants. He alleged that Relief Department was not registering the claims of 251 families. Over 984 families are paid at the rate of Rs 1600 per month besides ration while KP families are getting Rs 6600 per month cash and ration. Only 84 families of Doda migrants are getting Rs 4000 per month besides ration. He said there is no uniformity and Relief officers have fixed norms at their own whims and fancies.
He demanded that Doda migrants be paid at par with Kashmiri migrants and justice be accorded to them. He also demanded two room accommodation for the migrants from Doda belt.
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