KPUF holds demonstration, supports PM package employees demands

Activists of KPUF protesting in Jammu on Wednesday. -Excelsior/Rakesh
Activists of KPUF protesting in Jammu on Wednesday. -Excelsior/Rakesh

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 25: A protest demonstration was organized by the Kashmiri Pandits United Front (KPUF) at Press Club here in support of Kashmiri Hindu employees who are currently working in Kashmir Valley.
The Kashmiri Pandits under the banner of KPUF led by Satish Kissu as its convener appealed to the Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha and Central Government to relocate the P M package employees outside Valley as they are not safe in Kashmir in view of the selective killings of the community members since last some year.
The PM package employment was a way to provide jobs to address the economic issues of the displaced community. This package was not linked with rehabilitation plan of displaced Kashmiri Hindu community, in fact the consideration of Government was that these employees of minority community will be ambassadors of peace and will bridge the gap between majority and minority communities which did not happen on ground and they became scapegoats.
The package employees were working under difficult circumstances and were facing many challenges; in fact they were posted at venerable locations and were denied security. These employees were being paid only basic pay (half salary) and were denied promotions and other benefits like accommodations, allowances, transfer etc. Despite the official apathy they were doing their duties regularly knowing fully that UT administration is not working in their favor. In the last three years we have witnessed surge in the killings of Kashmiri Pandits and Hindus who have always been the flag bearers of nationalism and have openly supported the Government of India.
These employees are under direct attack of terrorist and are not safe even at a high security like tehsil office where a youth Rahul Bhat was gunned down in broad day light while doing routine official work.
In this regard, the KPUF organization has protested at several locations across Jammu to reiterate the genuine demand of the Kashmiri Hindu employees working in Valley. The protestors demanded relocation of Kashmiri Hindu employees under PM package and other categories outside valley till a safe environment is created and a comprehensive plan for rehabilitation of Kashmiri Hindus is framed in Valley.
The convener of the Front Satish Kissu also demanded immediate arrest of the conspirators and killers of Rahut Bhat and their punishment under the law of the land. He said how long the Pandits will bear this injustice and intolerance. They said that it is shameful that the civil society of Kashmir has remained totally silent over the barbaric acts of terrorists who are the enemies of peace and coexistence.