Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: Dilip Pandita, president, Victims of Terrorism, expressed deep concern over the current electoral system. He while interacting with the members of his organisation said that when neither Panchayati representatives, nor MLAs, nor District Development Council (DDC) members, nor chairpersons are effectively addressing or safeguarding the interests of the displaced community, the very purpose and value of their vote becomes meaningless.
He informed the meeting that in this context, a strong and unequivocal demand was put forward for the declaration of a separate “constituency in Exile” for displaced Kashmiri Pandits before representative of the Election Commission of India during his visit to Jammu. This demand seeks to ensure that the community is able to elect its representatives who are directly accountable and exclusively committed to addressing the issues of displaced people. Further, it was demanded that six ward members be created exclusively from Jagti Township and one ward member each from other migrant camps such as TRTs Nagarota, Purkhoo and Muthi, so as to ensure fair, proportionate, and dedicated representation for the migrants. Such a structure would create a clear and accountable governance system focused entirely on the welfare and development of these communities.
He said at present, these areas fall under a municipal framework that lacks effective accountability and localized governance, resulting in continued neglect of migrant issues. He said the ECI representative also took serious note of the demands and assured that the matter would be taken up with higher authorities, particularly at the level of the Commissioner, for necessary consideration. The displaced community asserted that this is not merely an administrative issue, but a legitimate and long pending democratic demand.
The community reiterated that the demand for an “Exile Constituency” must be addressed without further delay. In conclusion, a strong appeal has been made to the Government and the Election Commission to act decisively and fulfil this just demand.
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