Excelsior Correspondent
HIRANAGAR, Sept 18: Lauding initiatives of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in seeking early resolution of problems facing to the Pakistan occupied Kashmir refugees of 1947, 1965 and 1971, Provincial President National Conference Devender Singh Rana today expressed the hope that the Centre will take an urgent call on this issue and settle it expeditiously for overall welfare of the displaced population.
Speaking at the concluding session of a daylong convention of National Conference workers here, the Provincial President referred to the headway made by the Chief Minister in this regard by taking up the issue at highest level at the Centre. “The issue was vigorously pursued with the Prime Minister during his visit to Srinagar recently”, he added.
The convention deliberated upon various issues pertaining to the development of remote and far flung areas besides measure for welfare of the people under social security programmes. Several resolutions were also adopted during the convention which, inter alia, included special package for PoK Refugees of 1947, 1965 and 1971, package for the rehabilitation and resettlement of the people living between the IB/LoC and the defence fence from Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch to Gurez, assessment of losses caused to property and crops during the recent floods and compensation to the sufferers thereof, special recruitment package and drive for the youth in the Defence, Para-military Forces, Police, Central Govt Departments, Banks and other Central Govt Undertakings, provision of irrigational facilities in Kandi and other areas of the district, tehsil status for Gangwal, dwelling units for eligible Gujjar and Bakerwal families under the designated scheme besides coverage and disposal of pending pension cases under social welfare sector.
While expressing satisfaction over the disbursement of old age/destitute pension by the Government, the convention sought immediate clearance of the pending cases and coverage of hitherto uncovered beneficiaries across the district. The convention exhorted the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Home Affairs for reviewing the recruitment policy in the Army and para military forces vis a vis youth of Jammu and Kashmir by relaxing the eligibility criterion in respect of academic qualifications etc.
The convention also reposed full faith in the leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah, Working President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah besides the policies and programmes of National Conference.
Touching various points raised by the party workers, the Provincial President assured them that he will work as their advocate in pushing forward their demands with regard to development of various areas. He described workers as the face of National Conference at grass roots level and hoped they will come to the expectations of the people by dint of hard work and dedication.
He described National Conference as a mass movement, which evolved in a historic perspective with a definite role of being a representative body of the people living in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. He said the party will not abdicate its responsibility in ensuring the welfare of all and providing equitable opportunities of development and progress to these three distinct regions and their sub-regions. He said empowerment of people and right to lead a dignified life was the cherished agenda of his party.
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