Govt not serious to redress desires of displaced community

All India Kashmiri Pandit Conference (AIKPC) said that the govt. isn't serious to redress the short-term desires and necessities of the displaced community.

In a statement issued here by Hriday Nath Jatoo, president, AIKPC, said that even when 2 weeks not one commitment created by the Chief Minister to the Apex Committee has been fulfilled.

He said that CM within the meeting has declared that he can expedite the appointment of Kashmiri Pandit job aspirants, who are on the waiting list, increase the money help to the displaced Kashmiri Hindus and introduce the ordinance of the temple shrine bill.

He appealed all the leading KP organizations as well as Panun Kashmir to place their heads along and build a joint strategy on short term demands for mitigating the miseries of displaced Kashmiri Pandits.

AIKPC created a dedicated attractiveness to the complete Kashmiri Pandit community to chart out future course of action for settling in Kashmir with honour and dignity at an area where there are provided constitutional guarantees and safeguards.

ASKPC accuses Govt of not solving migrants problems

Kashmiri migrant relief holders demonstrate

Newly appointed migrant employees without salaries

KPC highlights demands

Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC) appealed Government of India to satisfy the reassurance of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, that within the due course of your time, Article 370 of Indian constitution can stand abrogated in total.In a statement issued here Kundan Kashmiri, KPC Chief, demanded resettlement of KPs and their rehabilitation at safer consolidated places in Kashmir valley, just one occasion compensation to over-aged KP youth, outlets in their localities likewise and enhancement of relief upto Rs one hundred twenty per day.He conjointly demanded passage of KPs' Temples and Shrine Bill, protection, promotion and development of spiritual places and allow to go to Sharda temple located at Muzaffarabad, POK, for Darshan.

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Abhinav Gupt cave facing threat

Abhinav Gupt cave located within the foothills of Bairam hillocks in Beerwah space of Budgam district is facing threat thanks to stone quarrying, says Vir Saraf, Convenor, Roots in Kashmir (RIK).

The cave contains a nice spiritual significance for Kashmiri Pandits as Abhinav Gupt is considered the best scholar of Kashmiri Shaivism, an ancient faculty of thought that Kashmir is known world over.

Vir Saraf told Excelsior that the Abhinav Gupt cave is sacred to Kashmiri Pandits. "Till 1947 AD Kashmiri Pandits used to travel to the doorway of the cave and perform their spiritual rituals per annum on the tenth day of full moon within the month of June. The cave is of nice worth of heritage. it's a part of the traditional historical civilisation," he added.

Stone quarrying is going down with impunity on North-West facet of this hill high that is supposedly the tail of the cave yet as on the jap facet of Bairam too.

However, officers said that the quarry is found some one hundred fifty feet far from the cave. they are saying that the quarrying goes on for past over sixty years and government is obtaining its royalty.

"It is claimed that some folks have tried to cruise the un-ending cave upto one km however came back when there was no finish to the cave. Abhinav Gupt was a thinker and a Bhairwa (seeker of Lord Shiva)," said Vir.

Talking to Excelsior, M. S Zahid, Deputy Director, Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums said that he would depute a team of the officers to the positioning.

"As of currently I even have not received any criticism. however since you've got raised this issue it'd be ensured that nothing illegal is being done. this is often an area of heritage importance and that we would depart no stone unturned in preserving this heritage image," said Zahid.

KPs demonstrate for passsage of Shrines Temples Bill

KPC asks Pandits not to take any step in hurry on return

Officials meet HS on KPs demands

A high level official delegation from State Government led by Chief Secretary Madhav Lal held a meeting with Union Home Secretary R K Singh in New Delhi this evening to discuss the return and rehabilitation plan for Kashmiri migrants.

According to sources, various issues pertaining to displaced people from Valley were discussed in the meeting particularly the enhancement of compensation amount from Rs 7.50 lakh to Rs 20 lakh for the construction of house by each family on their return to Valley as has been recommended by State Government.

The meeting also discussed the enhancement of cash relief, which was being demanded by the displaced people from the Valley sources said, adding the decision in this regard will only be taken after a formal letter was sent by the State Government.

The other issues including issuance of state subject, other certificates and passports were also discussed in the meeting, sources said.

The meeting among others was attended by DGP Kuldeep Khoda, Commissioner Secretary Revenue and Relief, B A Runyal and Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, R K Pandita.

KP youth launch hunger strike

KPs demonstrate for passsage of Shrines Temples Bill

KPC asks Pandits not to take any step in hurry on return

Relief holders continue dharna

The dharna launched by all Kashmiri migrant relief holders at Jagti township for enhancement of cash relief entered 27th day today.

The protestors are demanding enhancement of relief to Rs 120 per soul per day. Addressing the protestors the representatives of relief holders said that they were expecting the decision in this regard will be announced in the Apex Committee meeting itself but still it is hanging in balance despite the fact that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah himself understands that the relief given to migrants at present is inadequate. 

The relief holders however criticized those Apex Committee members who boycotted the meeting. They demanded that these members be disbanded from Apex Committee. 

The organizers have decided to continue the dharna till the ongoing agitation reaches logical conclusion. They said the Kashmiri migrants will have no objection if the economic status of each family is ascertained.

Meanwhile the hunger strike launched by relief holders also continued in front of Relief Commissioner’s Office today and protestors warned to continue the strike till the demand is met. They said the relief holders will not be satisfied by mere assurances and the Government should take concrete steps regarding enhancement of cash assistance as the people totally dependent on cash doles from Government are hard pressed in these tough times when prices of essential commodities have touched sky.

Addressing the protestors Sheela Handoo ex corporator assured them all help from her organization. She urged the Government not to test the patience of relief holders and take a decision regarding hike in the cash assistance at an earliest

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KP organizations oppose Pandit leaders meet with separatists

Representatives of various socio-religious organizations of displaced Pandits have taken serious exception to meeting of representatives of various KP organizations and individuals with leaders of separatist Hurriyat Conference in Valley recently and said that community had not given any mandate to any organization or individual to talk with separatists and Pak agents.

Talking to reporters here today, O N Chrungoo president All Kashmiri Pandit Solidarity Conference (AKPSC), M K Kaul a social activist, Raj Nath Raina, president Magam Bangil Sabha, P L Dhar president T RT Nagrota and Sheela Handoo ex corporator, said the community had not given any one mandate to talk to separatists on its behest.

"It is unfortunate that some community members and representatives of some organizations met hardliner Hurriyat leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and its moderate faction leader Moulvi Omar Farooq seeking their support for return of the community to Valley'', said M K Kaul.

Moreover the leaders of these KP organizations who met Hurriyat did not disclose what they discussed with them inside and we apprehend that a hidden agenda on return of the community was discussed inside, he said, adding this was a game plan of some agencies to tarnish the image of the community.

"We will continue our fight against those forces who played with the cause of the community "said Sheela Handoo. She said that Apex Committee does not have proper representation of the community."

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Government totally ignoring displaced Pandits

KHC warns Govt against hidden agenda on return move

Kashmiri Hindu Conference (KHC) today warned the Government against its any hidden agenda on return move and said that it can’t hoodwink the community on the issue.

Addressing a meeting here today KHC chief, M L Thusoo, said mere enhancement of compensation for construction of house under PM’s package is not the only issue and the main issue is the political solution to the mass exodus problem.

Mr Thusoo said until and unless the primary issue is dealt with in a scientific approach the secondary issue is meaningless as the lasting stay of the community in the Valley with honour and dignity depends upon some remedial measures, which the Government is overlooking. The Government is diverting the attention from the main issue by liberal monitorial concessions, he added.

Convener, KPC, P L Koul Budgami, said the KPs may not choose to live in a geo-political set up which is woven in a particular theological matrix. Since the majority community of Valley does not prefer to live in co-existence with the minority hence only lip sympathy with the community will not work. The political solution to the KPs problems is the only option to the Pandits return to Valley, he added.

K L Ganjoo, A K Sadhu, M L Daftri and others also spoke on the occasion.

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Govt to bring Ordinance for protection of temples in Valley

The Government has decided to bring an Ordinance for Constitution of Board for management and protection of Hindu Shrines and Temples in Kashmir Valley.

This assurance was given by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah during the meeting of Apex Committee on Migrants here today.

The meeting among others was attended by Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Raman Bhalla, MoS Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal, Principal Secretary Finance, Iqbal Khandey, Commissioner Secretary Revenue, B A Runyal, Divisional Commissioner, Dr Pawan Kotwal and Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, R K Pandita.

Official sources told Jk News that the Chief Minister announced in the Apex Committee meeting that an ordinance regarding the formation of Board for protection and management of Hindu shrines in the Valley will be brought in the next Cabinet meeting.

Omar also agreed to give two years age relaxation to those youth who had applied for job under PM's package in 2008 as the package was implemented in 2010. It was decided that the children born after migration will be taken for Kashmir darshan.

He also agreed in principle the demand regarding enhancement of cash relief and compensation for construction of houses in Valley. He informed the meeting that the issue has already been taken up with Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and Home Minister, P Chidambaram.

It was also decided that all other Apex level Committee that the members, who abstains from two consecutive meetings will be dismissed from the Apex Committee.

The CM told the Apex Committee that he would himself chair two meetings of the Committee in a year, one each in Jammu and Srinagar, to review the progress and implementation of the decisions taken by the Committee headed by Raman Bhalla.

The meeting lasted four hours and all the issues concerning the displaced people were discussed. The meeting was told that there will be no coercion in return of the migrants and no decision will be taken in haste in view of the past experience, which resulted in Vandhhama and Nadimarg incidents. Out of total 38 Apex Committee members 24 were present while 14 abstained.

The other issues raised by the Apex Committee members included construction of shopping complex at Jagti township for those traders of the community who had their small business establishments in erstwhile camps.

Bhalla described the meeting very fruitful and healthy. He also criticized those Apex Committee members, who boycotted the meeting.

The prominent among the Apex Committee members who attended the meeting included Vijay Bakaya, MLC, Khem Lata Wakhloo, H N Jatu, M L Kaul, Hira Lal Pandita, Sanjay Saraf, R K Bhat, Roshan Lal Raina, Bansi Lal Kaul, M K Yogi, Anil Dhar, Jatin Bhat, Din Mohammed Cheeta, Ashok Hangloo and A K Rajpuri.

Meanwhile, Kashmiri Pandit Sabha representatives including its president Prof A N Sadhu and vice president K K Khosa who are the members of Apex Committee also boycotted its meeting today in protest against the failure of Government to solve the burning issues of displaced Pandits.

A statement issued here by K P Sabha said the community leadership has been pressing hard for the enhancement of cash relief, passage of Shrines and Temples Bill, sincere and timely implementation of PM's package and adequate facilities at the Jagti township. But there has been no encouraging response from the Government, it added.

The statement said in the wake of high market inflation, the meager cash relief is grossly inadequate to enable the displaced families to make both ends meet. Lack of resources adversely affected the education of their children, caused malnutrition and resulted into poor health, threatening the poor growth of young ones. The suffering people are at dharna for last 24 days and the Government is not bothered about this and no attention has been paid so far, it added.

The statement said in spite of repeated pleading, meetings with ministers and Legislators, the Temples and Shrines Bill has not been passed so far resulting into desecration and encroachment of these places. Further, 6000 posts assured in PM's package have not been filled so far and the development work at Jagti township has been put on hold. Under these circumstances attending the meeting of Apex Committee by KP's representatives will be meaningless, the statement added.

The statement said let the Government seriously address to the prime concerns of the community so that the Apex Committee meeting can be held in a meaningful way.

It said for today's meeting no agenda had been circulated and it only showed the casual approach of the Government towards holding such meetings.

It may be recalled that ASKPC chief A N Vaishnavi its general secretary, HL Chatta, Camp leader P L Raina and JKVM senior leader, Dr R L Bhat had also boycotted the meeting. Besides AIKS chief Moti Kaul could not attend the meeting due to his pre-occupation while Congress leader Ashok Bhan also chose to stay away from it. APMCCC president Vinod Pandit had already submitted his resignation from Apex Committee for its non performance.

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JKVM representative to also boycott Apex Committee

Another Apex Committee member Dr R L Bhat has also decided to boycott tomorrow’s meeting. The decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of Jammu and Kashmir Vichar Manch (JKVM) meeting here today. The meeting expressed dismay over the attitude of the Government regarding the pressing issues facing the exiled Community. It appealed Dr Bhat not to attend tomorrow’s meeting in view of some reservations.

The meeting said that the Apex Committee was formed with the agenda to practicalise the PM’ s package for return but the Government has acted with adhocism towards the issue. Scheduled to take place in morning the meeting has already gone through three changes of time and is now supposed to be held in the evening. This shows the casual attitude of the Government towards the community.

Moreover the Government is trying to treat the exile of KPs and their return as if it were the question of the quantum of relief and rehabilitation package. The JKVM accused the Government of downplaying the fact of ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Hindus and behaving as if a natural calamity had befallen the KP community and the only thing to be decided was the amount of package. The Government was actually be maligning the community by harping on the seven lac and 20 lac bit while refusing to address the larger political question as to how the aborigines of Kashmir came to be exiled, the meeting said.

Dr Bhat said had the Government been sincere in implementing the CBMS the first and foremost of which was passing of Temples and Shrines Bill, it would not have been hanging in fire. He said that in the first meeting as well as meeting with Home Minister the basic issue raised by him was that there should be assured safety on return and it should be return with retention and not the quantum of compensation only. He said unfortunately the Government did not shown any understanding of pain and plight of exiled KPs and it was only trying to hoodwink the community so the JKVM executive decided that Dr Bhat will stay away from the meeting.

Meanwhile Migrant Selectee Association (MSA) has urged the Apex Committee members to raise the problems of accommodation, electricity and water being faced by employees in Kashmir Valley who were appointed under PM’s employment package.

The MSA which met under the leadership of Sanjay Kaul said that employees face accommodation problems as three to four members are huddled in a small room.

KP Amity Council leaders have also urged the Apex Committee members to take up the issues concerning the migrants including enhancement of cash relief, age relaxation and implementation if employment package in letter and spirit in the meeting.

The meeting was chaired by Sanjay Saraf its patron and others who were present included Sanjay Raina, Manoj Pandit and Suresh Saraf.

KP Joint Council coordinator Vinod Tickoo has also urged the Apex Committee members to raise the issue regarding the enhancement of relief in the meeting. While AMCCC chief Desh Rattan welcomed the Apex members for boycotting the meet saying that the Government has failed to settle the basic issues of the community.

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Relief holders dharna enters 20th day

The dharna launched by All Kashmiri Migrant Relief Holders Association demanding enhancement of cash assistance from Rs 41.66 to Rs 120 per soul per day entered 20th day today.

Addressing the demonstrators the Association leaders urged the Apex Committee members to raise the issue in their meeting before Chief Minister scheduled on April 18. President All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS), Moti Kaul who also visited the dharna site today assured full support to the protestors in their struggle and urged the Government to concede the demand without any further delay.

Justifying the demand he said, the migrants are facing many hardships and economic crisis as the cash doles given by the Government are not sufficient to meet the both ends in view of the sky rocketing prices of essential commodities.

He assured the gathering that he will take up the issue with Union Government and also raise the same in Apex meeting. Roshan Lal Raina urged the Government to settle the issue without further delay and take a decision in the Apex level meeting in this regard. O N Kaw, Ravinder Pandita and Dilip Pandita also addressed the protestors.

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Relief holders dharna enters 14th day

The dharna launched by relief holders at Jagti for enhancement of cash relief entered 14th day today. The protestors are demanding enhancement of relief from Rs 41 to Rs 120 per soul per day in view of sky rocketing of prices.

In an appeal to Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Raman Bhalla, the protestors urged them to make an immediate announcement regarding enhancement of cash relief for displaced people. They warned that the dharna will not be lifted till the demand is solved.

The protestors also urged the Apex Committee members who are going to hold a meeting with Chief Minister to take up this issue as well and in case the Government did not accept the demand all the Apex Committee members should resign enmass.

The protestors were addressed by Hari Krishan Pandit and Ajay Kumar Bhat.

Meanwhile, the chain hunger strike launched by the relief holders in the premises of Relief organization entered 10th day today.

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KPs protest against sale deed of Vittal Bhairav

Kashmiri Pandits from all across New Delhi and NCR assembled at Jantar Mantar here today to protest the illegal sale of the famous Vittal Bhairav Temple in Motiyar, Rainawari, Srinagar in Kashmir Valley.

The protestors raising slogans against the J&K Government criticized it for its total failure in protecting this ancient shrine from land mafia. They said 400-year-old mulberry trees have been axed by the encroachers which has hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindus.

The protestors while criticizing the Dharmarth Trust questioned its role in the temple saying the temple belonged to Hindus of the area and it was not managed by the Trust and hence had no right to auction the land of the temple.

They said incidents like encroaching the temple/shrine lands have increased in the last few years all over the Kashmir valley and Government was looking like a mute spectator.

The protestors demanded a firm resolve on part of the Indian State and its political leadership to reclaim Kashmir as a functioning secular society, arrest of the culprits involved in sale deed of Vital Bahriav Complex, restoration and reconstruction of the Shree Vittal Bhairav temple Complex to pre-1990 position by the Government, declaration of all the sales/lease deeds of temples/shrines/and other quasi-religious properties and lands as null and void through an ordinance, setting up of a commission of enquiry to look into the cases of temple demolitions, institute high-powered tribunal to vacate forcible, fraudulent, religious properties of Kashmiri Hindus and reopening of the cases of killings of Kashmiri Hindus at the hands of terrorists to award deterrent punishment to the perpetrators of genocide.

Meanwhile KPC president Kundan Kashmiri has urged the community to form a joint action Committee on the issue and fight it unitedly.

At Jammu ASKPC held a meeting under the chairmanship of its senior vice president R K Raina in which Governemt was accused of its failure in protecting Hindu shrines and temples in Valley resulting the illegal sale and occupation of these religious places by land mafia.

H L Chatta general secretary of the organization demanded issuance of ordinance till passage of shrines and religious places bill for their protection.

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Bhalla rescinds new order on distribution of ration to migrants

Minister of Revenue Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla announced that the ration to migrant families will continue to be given as per old pattern.

The Minister who was speaking at a religious function held at Swami Anand Ji Ashram Purkhoo camp issued instructions to Relief authorities to revoke the new order issued recently in this regard. He said the ration coupon will be given for one year as per the administrative decision of 2006 and not for a period of three months as was decided by Relief authorities recently, he added.

The Minister also paid his tributes to great saint Swami Anand Ji and assured the members of the displaced community that coalition Government was alive to their problems and it has taken various steps for their redressal. He appealed the community to render full cooperation to the Government.

Mr Bhalla announced to look into the problems of the displaced community and to find out ways for their redressal, a meeting of the Apex Committee will soon be convened with Chief Minister. The meeting will also discuss the issue regarding enhancement of cash relief, he added.

He said the proposal for revision of the PM's package was before the State Cabinet and the decision on enhancement of Rs 7.5 lakh for construction of house to Rs 20 lakh, rehabilitation of orchardists, businessmen and industrialist would be recommended to Government of India for sanction.

Mr Bhalla assured the trustees of the Ashram that their demand for construction of rooms and other facilities would be considered. He also announced that the 3000 posts of state sponsorship under PM's package would also be advertised soon.

Former Chief Secretary and MLC Vijay Bakaya, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, R K Pandita, NC Minority Cell, Working president M K Yogi and Congress leader Chooni Lal Bhat were also present on the occasion.

Mr Bakaya, while paying tributes to Swami Ji lauded the community for preserving its identity despite odds. He said the community deserves all praises for constructing replicas of the gods, goddesses and sages and saints of Kashmir like Swami Anand Ji at Jammu and other places of the country.

He also complimented the coalition Government, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Raman Bhalla for taking various measures in mitigating the sufferings of displaced people.

Meanwhile Congress Migrant Cell chairman M L Kaul and its general secretary Hira Lal Pandita expressed their satisfaction over the announcement made by Raman Bhalla for continuing the issuance of ration coupons for one year saying otherwise the relief holders would have been put to many hardships.

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Bhalla took keen interest in implementation of PM package

Congress Migrant Cell leaders in a meeting here today discussed various issues confronting the displaced Pandit community in general and migrant youth in particular.

The meeting was chaired by M L Kaul chairman of the Cell and Apex Committee member and among others it was addressed by another Apex Committee member and general secretary of the Cell Hira Lal Pandita.

Various issues including the Shrines Bill, enhancement of cash relief, age relaxation for over aged KP youth and implementation of PM's package came into discussion.

Addressing the meeting H L Pandita expressed satisfaction over the steps taken by the government in general and Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Raman Bhalla in particular in resolving various problems of the community.

Terming Bhalla a man of caliber, he said the Minister took personnel interest in implementation of PM's package and it was only with his efforts that the 800 posts were de-reserved for the displaced youth and a way for future was also created through passage of the Bill.

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West Pak Refugees take out protest rally

West Pakistani Refugees today took out a protest rally under the aegis of West Pakistani Refugee Action Committee (1947) against the indifferent attitude of the Government towards them.

Hundreds of West Pakistani refugees assembled at Press Club and then moved towards Bikram Chowk and after passing through Bikram Chowk again concluded at Press Club. In the mean time they blocked the bridge for about half an hour, leading to disruption of traffic on both sides.

The activists carrying banners and placards and raising slogans against the Government were demanding permanent citizenship of the State.

Speaking on the Occasion, president of the Committee, Labba Ram Gandhi said even after 65 years of Independence, West Pakistani refugees are deprived of citizenship of the State. They migrated in the State in the year 1947 but the Government deliberately fixed the year 1944 with a view to deprive us from the citizenship.

The Central Government had number of occasion assured the west Pakistani Refugees that their matter shall be taken up with the State Government regarding financial compensation and other rehabilitation package to be taken into consideration but nothing concrete has been so far, he added.

Gandhi said that since the Assembly session is in progress, he appealed the members of legislative assembly to make a bill having provision for defining or altering the definition of the class of persons who are or shall be permanent resident of the State/conferring on the permanent residents any special rights or privilege/regulation or modifying any special rights or privileges enjoyed by the permanent residents.

They also said that the special package of rehabilitation in favour of Pakistani refugees such as financial assistance and special recruitment drive for children of West Pakistani refugees as assured by Prime Minister of India in 2008 at Jammu has not been implemented so far and requested the members of the Assembly to raise the issue in the Assembly.

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Doda migrants demand relief at par with Kashmiri counterparts

The members of erstwhile Doda Migrants Committee, Jammu, have been on dharna at Jantar Mantar, since March 29, in support of their long pending genuine demands.

Committee president, Ghulam Moni-ud-Din Beg said the committee held continuous dharna at Mubarak Mandi Jammu for six years and four months, but the State Govewrnment did not give any credence to their problems.

He said Doda migrants assembled at Madhopur in Punjab and started their march up to New Delhi braving all odds in the absence of any food or money and sat on dharma at Jantar Mantar. They have also submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister in support of their demands.

The Doda migrants have been demanding that they should be treated at par with Kashmiri migrants and given the same status and their registration be done on spot verification grounds. They are demanding further that relief should be given to them from 1996 as per orders of the Supreme Court and the State High Court.

They also stressed that the verification files of Doda migrants which are complete in all respects should be granted relief at an earliest.

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Relief holders on hunger strike

The chain hunger strike launched by Kashmiri Migrant Relief Holders in front of Relief Commissioner’s Office entered the fourth day today.

The relief holders criticized the government for neglecting migrants in general and relief holders in particular.

Addressing the protestors the speakers said the problems of migrants have increased many fold due to the negligent attitude of the state as well central governments. It termed the claim of government a total lie that the recommendations were sent to Centre for enhancement of cash assistance. They demanded immediate enhancement of cash assistance. Those who addressed included BL Bhat ex MLC, Roshan Lal Raina and Hira Lal Pandita general secretary Congress Migrant Cell and Apex Committee member.

Meanwhile Migrant Coordination Committee Jagti in a meeting today extended full support to Kashmiri migrant Relief holders Jagti and YAIKS in their struggle. The meeting was chaired by Dilip Pandita. It demanded Cabinet berth for Kashmiri Pandits.

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KPC asks Pandits not to take any step in hurry on return

Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC) today stressed on wide ranging discussions and debates among the displaced community on the return and rehabilitation and has urged the individual organizations not to give confusing statements on this sensitive issue concerning the future of seven lakh exiled Pandits.

The KPC which held two day working committee meeting at Union Capital under the chairmanship of its president, Kundan Kashmiri said the return and rehabilitation of the community being an important issue needs wider debate and discussion among all KP organizations as well as consultation among the cross section of the community as any step taken in hurry will prove counter productive to the larger interests of the community.

The KPC in a handout said before taking any decision on return first and foremost thing to ponder over by the community leadership is to see that weather the mindset has changed in Valley, which was responsible for the mass exodus of the community.

It said the issue also politically involves wider ramifications keeping in view internationally recognized conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, demands like so-called Azadi, self rule and autonomy etc, mood and temper of the people of Kashmir, day to day militant related incidents in the Valley, direct involvement of Pakistan in Kashmir turmoil and appeasement policies of Union Government towards fundamentalists in Kashmir. Hence this all needs to be kept in mind before taking any step for return, the meeting added.

It said though track two diplomacy and foreign diplomacy is also involved in settling the Kashmir issue but the Pandits demand for separate homeland and Kashyap State is a big impediment in their way. To further this formula efforts are being made to lure some KP families to return to Kashmir to defeat the demand of homeland and Kashyap State, which the community leadership should cautiously counter, the handout added.

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ASKPC highlights problems of displaced Pandits

All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) in its meeting here today held under the chairmanship of R K Raina its senior vice president took the State Government to task for its failure in solving the problems of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits.

Addressing the meeting general secretary ASKPC, H L Chatta, demanded three percent reservation for displaced Pandits in Central Government jobs. He made an appeal to Prime Minister in this regard.

He also demanded reservation for KP children in professional institutions including medical and engineering.

Ravinder Raina vice president ASKPC demanded that KPs be declared as minority community and provided all facilities to which other minorities in the country are entitled to while Bharat Bushan Gosain demanded special package for migrant traders, enhancement of cash relief to ` 15,000 per month and grant of one time compensation in favour of over aged educated youth to the tune of ` 25 lakh.

Mrs Veena Gurtu demanded special package for women of the community.

D N Kissu another senior member ASKPC demanded allotment of quarters to non camp migrants who are unable to pay the house rent now due to sky rocketing prices. He also demanded that those living on rent be provided rent. Subash Chatta and B L Handu demanded protection to KP Shrines and temples in Valley.

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PDP to create atmosphere for return of KPs to Valley

Reiterating resolve of his party to restore sustainable peace in Jammu and Kashmir, patron of People's Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that PDP would create conducive atmosphere for the return of migrant Kashmir Pandits to their native places in Kashmir Valley.

"Policies and programmes of PDP are formulated by accommodating wishes and aspirations of all sections of the society", he said and asserted that party would work assiduously to implement its policy of peace and reconciliation in the State.

Interacting with prominent citizens at Gole Gujaral area of Jammu city, PDP patron said that it was his desire to make Jammu and Kashmir as an island of peace. "I was comfortable in the Congress but we formed PDP with an aim of restoring lasting peace in this region", he said and sought support of every section of the society to fulfill this dream.

He said that some vested interests have launched vicious campaign against PDP to create misunderstanding. "My political life is an open book. My political life is also crystal clear", he said.

Mr Sayeed, while highlighting achievements of PDP led regime, said that in short span of time PDP had tried to address aspirations of all sections of the society. "Self praise is no recommendations but steps taken during our regime to provide justice to every citizens of the State are indicator of our sincere efforts to mitigate misery of people", he said and added that the previous PDP-regime had set an example of good governance and the people have realized that only this party has the vision and conviction to solve their problems.

"It was the result of the efforts of our party that people's faith was revived in democratic institutions. There was participation of common masses in governance," the PDP leader said. He reminded that PDP led regime had set an example of good governance in the State.

Reiterating that dialogue was the only way to solve all problems, he said the peace process initiated by his Government was an irreversible process and the roadmap laid by his party was the only way to establish sustainable peace in the sub-continent.

He said that present regime has failed to keep its promises and the people were looking at the PDP as an alternative to have their aspirations addressed. "Handling Jammu and Kashmir is not a childish issue. It is a very complicate place to handle", he observed and added that during the last three years the present regime has reversed the process of peace and development in the State.

Pointing towards issues raised by the residents of Gole Gujaral and adjoining localities, he said that solving problems of the refugees of Muzaffarabad and other areas was on the top of party's agenda. He said that his party would vociferously take up issues of refugees on all platforms.

T S Bajwa, Ved Mahajan, Daman Bhasin, Peerzada Mansoor Hussain, Shanti Devi, Surjeet Kour, Surinder Sharma, Anil Gour, Falail Singh, Jagjeet Singh Jagga and Amrik Sasan were among others, who spoke on the occasion.