Sir,
It is a well-known fact that the 1947 displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK DPs), who live in Jammu and Kashmir and other states throughout the country, have long fought for and continue to fight for their legitimate grievances, and their genocide is considered to be the biggest genocide in the world. The situation of the Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir persons did not improve during the tenures of successive governments in the erstwhile of State of Jammu and Kashmir governments or at central governments. One of the major aspects that has remained unattended since the post-displacement of the Pakistan- occupied Jammu and Kashmir displaced persons is the resettlement and rehabilitation of the elderly and infirm, the young generation, women, widows, orphans, etc. The assistance programmes were not in good shape during the post-displacement period. Because of the lackadaisical attitude of the previous administration, numerous welfare programmes in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir were ignored and unaddressed. The displaced people from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir have already encountered many obstacles to their survival as well as the survival of future generations, and they have had to adapt to a hard life throughout the country.
The administration of the Union Territory has now implemented a policy requiring all urban local councils, municipalities to collect property taxes from Union Territory residents. The imposition of property tax on the displaced people amounts to pouring fuel to the fire because they have already endured immense suffering and battled for their lives. In contrast to what is implied in the circular, the displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir are unable to pay property tax. These displaced persons are yet to get ownership rights over the land and houses that were allotted to them. The inclusion of property tax would prefer to make their lives more worse than to give them any of the relief they occasionally ask for.
Under the leadership of the Prime Minister of India, the Central Leadership is making every effort to ease the challenges faced by the displaced persons of 1947 Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir who reside within Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as well as those who reside in other states of the Country. Yet, it is deeply regretful and upsetting that the Lieutenant Governor’s administration chose to include displaced persons under the tax payer umbrella. The lieutenant governor is urged to exempt 1947 Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir displaced persons from paying the property tax.
Ronik Sharma Advocate
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