Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 7: A meeting of All Displaced Kashmiri United Forum (ADKUF) was held under the chairman of DN Kissu in which the problems being faced by exiled people were discussed.
The chairman while addressing the meeting said that all representative bodies of KPs appealed the Government that Pandits have been taking part in local bodies’ elections after migration but this time after getting their names deleted the Government is deliberately barring the displaced community from participation in elections which is unfortunate.
He said that both State and Central Governments are creating hurdles at every stage depriving hapless community of benifits from Government sponsored programs, schemes to keep the community out of decision taking machinery. This is yet another step to further push the community to wall.
Chief advisor, Prof. GL Koul lambasted the Government and reminded it that Pandits did not move out of Kashmir of own instead were hounded out of home and hearth at gunpoint, issuing life threats and warning through media. Government has accommodated Pandits in more than a dozen migrant camps. Those having no source of income are getting cash relief also. Most of the displaced families are living in own houses for the past 30 years.
P L Sudeshi, president pointed out that a citizen of India can participate in elections and cast his vote living even temporarily at any place in country as per standing orders of Election Commission of India.
PN Raina general secretary of Forum said that even after all representative bodies appealed to Government on the issue there is no action at all which clearly indicates that Government is not serious in Pandits participation in coming elections. He further said that the civic problems of the locality we live at present and pay taxes can be addressed by the locally elected representatives only and not by any body representing some other constituency. Votes even if cast at our present location as per new orders will be futile exercise.
Phoola Bhat president Women Wing said electricity is playing hide and seek and undeclared power cuts sometimes for long duration have increased especially during night hours also.
BN Bhat said that the ration against payment be restored to the APL Ration Card holders on Valley pattern. He further said that the Government should allot quarters to displaced families living in rented accommodation and appealed for 100% implementing PMs employment package.
The Forum unanimously supports passage of much delayed Kashmir Temples and shrines bill in the legislature.
Among others ML Koul, PL Razdan, CL Zutshi, Balji also addressed the meeting.
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