Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 29: Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj (YAIKS) has ridiculed the Government’s oft repeated statements on return and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits and said the same has become a phrase now which every politician is using repeatedly to befool the hapless migrants time and again.
Talking to reporters here today, president, YAIKS, R K Bhat said that no sincere efforts were made by successive State and Central Governments in this regard till date. It is unfortunate that a microscopic, peace loving and nationalist community has entered into the 26th year of exile now and still they are uncertain about their future and return to their homeland they belong to, he added.
He asked the Government why it has neglected this miniscule minority and why it failed to restore their homes and hearths to them in Valley in last 26 years and how long this will continue more.
Making a scathing attack on Government R K Bhat said it seems that there is no political will to ensure permanent settlement and comprehensive rehabilitation of displaced Pandits. Government has sent feelers about rehabilitation package but it failed to draw any comprehensive long term plan in this regard. “We have no unique predicament and identity, we are holding temporary ration cards in our hands for last 25 years in a democratic country’’, he added.
He said for last 25 years GOI has announced many packages for us including PM’s return and Rehabilitation package of Rs 1618. 40 crore but not even 10 percent of it has been implemented so far.
He said despite holding discussions with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh there seems to be no shift in Government’s stand on the rehabilitation of displaced people and it seems that some elements within Government are making money on the name of hapless displaced Pandits.
Bhat said though there was an optimism in the community that with taking over as PM by Narendra Modi the sufferings of community will decrease but he too has taken a casual approach on Pandits issue.
He, while rejecting the recent meeting of some Pandits with Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said that Government should come clear over the rehabilitation policy and formulate a proper road map for the same.
Bhat alleged that non migrants are representing the displaced people which will not be acceptable because they are totally unaware about the happening in 1989-90 that led to mass exodus of the community.
Bhat said it is purely prerogative of youth when to return, how to return, where to return and how to live in the Valley? They will not accept dictates of any body, he added.
He said in 2010 it was his organization which took the bold decision in sending the youth to Valley for national interest and Government should talk to them.
YAIKS urged Government to give serious thought to the aspirations of the community towards the permanent rehabilitation otherwise it will be forced to appeal the international community to come forward in this regard.
Sunil Koul, vice president YAIKS, Sanjay Ganjoo and Sunil Dhar its secretaries, Ajay Raina, Manoj Bhat, Ajay Koul, Sunil Bhat, Rajesh Bushan and Anil Pandita its coordinators and D N Bhat advisor were present during the press conference.
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