Relief holders continue protest, Apex members take up issue with Taj

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 7: Continuing their protests at Jagti and in front of Relief Commissioner’s Office the Kashmiri migrant relief holders and over-aged youth expressed dismay over the stoic silence maintained by the Government over their demand of increasing the monthly cash assistance.
Demanding enhancement of relief, the protestors raised slogans in support of their demand.
They said despite the assurance given by Chief Minister in the Apex Committee meeting on April 18 nothing was done in this regard till date. The chain hunger strike launched by these relief holders entered 69th day today. The protestors accused the State Government and Apex Committee members of betraying them.
They lambasted the Apex Committee members of their failure in pursuing the demand after the commitment was made by the Chief Minister in this regard. They said the delaying tactics adopted by the Government has forced the relief holders to come on streets as it has become totally difficult for them to make their both ends meet on meager amount of cash assistance in these hard days when prices have touched the sky.
They warned to intensify agitation in case the demand was further delayed. O N Kaw, Surinder and Ajay Bhat leading the relief holders protest at Jagti asked Government not to test their patience further.
However they were pursued by others to postpone the fast unto death programme as declared by them earlier in view of assurance given by the Minister of PHE , Irrigation and Flood Control Taj Mohi-ud-Din to Apex Committee members today.
Meanwhile 12 members of Apex Advisory Committee to Government called on Taj Mohi-ud-Din today and impressed upon him that the issue regarding the enhancement of relief be expedited as the community is facing severe problems in this regard. They informed him that the relief holders are sitting on dharna for over two months now in this hot weather and Government has failed to take cognizance of the demand.
Taj Mohi-ud-Din informed the delegation that the proposal regarding the enhancement of relief has been sent to Union Government already and the matter is pending with Home Ministry. He assured the delegation that State Government will vigorously follow the matter with Central Government. The delegation also submitted a memorandum to him.
It comprised of H N Jattu, K K Khosa, H L Chatta, Prem Singh Raina, P L Raina. Amarjit Singh Bali, M K Yogi, Jatin Bhat and A K Raina.