Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 15: Demanding incorporation of all their demands in the proposed package for one time settlement, refugees from Pak occupied Kashmir today held a massive protest demonstration at Mubarak Mandi.
Led by Rashhpal Singh Chib, the protest was held under the banner of Jammu Kashmir PoJK Refugee Front -1947, 1965, 1971.
They raised slogans against the Government and appealed it to incorporate their demands in the proposed package for the refugees before submitting the same to General Administration Department for onward submission to the State Cabinet.
While addressing the gathering, Mr Chib highlighted the grievances and demands of the refugees, such as compensation in lieu of homes and hearths, movable and immovable property left behind by the displaced persons at PoK.
“The PoJK Front is disappointed with the recommendations being put forward to the GAD for further submission to the Cabinet as the proposed financial package is meager and recommends reservation for the refugees only in security forces and professional colleges in other State of India,” he said and demanded quota for their wards in J&K also as PoJK refugees are State subjects. He also stressed that there should be no disparity between the urban and rural displaced persons.
“The State Government should amend various sanctions already incorporated by it authoritatively acting in violation of democratic rights of equality to its citizens. Cabinet order 578C of 1954 should apply to all the PoJK refugees, including camps and non-camps and irrespective of size and strength of the family,” he stressed and announced to approach National Human Rights Commission on their demands.
Mr Chib said that he had already projected these demands before the sub-committee of the Parliamentary Standing Committee, which visited Jammu and Kashmir last month.
The protest demonstration was also addressed by some other refugee leaders who vowed to continue their struggle till permanent settlement of the displaced persons without disparity.
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