VKS delegation meets Union Minister, submits memorandum

Members of VKS delegation presenting a framed picture of holy ‘Shivlingam’ to Union Minister Pashupati Paras at Jammu.
Members of VKS delegation presenting a framed picture of holy ‘Shivlingam’ to Union Minister Pashupati Paras at Jammu.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 19: A delegation of Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj (VKS) met Union Minister for Food Processing and Industries in Jammu under the leadership of Kiran Watal (convener, VKS and submitted a detailed memorandum of demands.
Through the memorandum, the Delegation members demanded establishment of a food processing industry in Jammu so that unemployed youth could be given employment opportunity. For the over-aged youth, who have crossed their age during exile, they demanded one-time compensation of interest free loan of Rs 30 lakh so that they could make the remaining life possible.
It was demanded that prior to consensus of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley, Government of India should uplift the standard of life of KP’s at their present places and enhance monthly cash assistance up to Rs 300 per soul per day, keeping in view the present market hike, so that the families could survive.
They also stressed that Jagti Camp Hospital be equipped with latest equipments and Jagti Camp comprises of almost 20,000 people be granted and declared Notified area. They also demanded that various schemes and flagships programs launched by Government of India (GoI) for the upliftment of youth should be immediately implemented for KP’s in letter and spirit.
The delegation also emphasized for conducting a special recruitment drive in Jammu and Kashmir Police for KP youth and paying Rs 50 lack compensation for left over property to every KP family as only half assessed ex-gratia of damaged property was given and still half is pending with the Government of J&K for no reasons.
“A Kashmiri Pandit Development Council be framed/constituted to look after and monitor the funds being given by GoI for the development and welfare of the KPs,” the delegation said and also demanded that KPs be given a minority status (as already recommended by the Minority Commission of India) in J&K.
Among others who were part of delegation include Sanjay Saraf, Pintoo, Kundan Lal and Chuni.