Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 22: The All Jammu and Kashmir Christian Sabha today called for the resolution of issues affecting the community in the Union Territory, including the lack of opportunities, housing for the homeless, and fair representation.
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During a press conference in Srinagar, Ashu Peter Mattoo, president of the All India Christian Society (AICS), emphasised the longstanding struggles faced by the Christian community, such as a high rate of homelessness and limited government job prospects.
“We are deeply concerned about the absence of representation for our voices in the government and our exclusion from various government schemes, including AWAS Yojana, health policies, scholarship programmes, and loan schemes for self-employment,” he said.
Mattoo criticised the past governments in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that they had continuously neglected the Christian community. “To address the dire situation, the AICS has taken proactive steps. We have approached the District Commissioner of Srinagar and submitted a letter requesting housing for the homeless members of the Christian community under the PMAY scheme,” he said.
The organisation has also met with the Mayor of Srinagar, urging the provision of a Nominated Councillor for the Christian community under the Municipal Act 2000, clause 10.
Nisha Samuel, National Executive of the All Jammu and Kashmir Christian Society (AJKCS), echoed Mattoo’s concerns during the conference. She expressed disappointment, saying, “The Christian community is excluded from the benefits of various Government development policies while other minority groups enjoy those advantages.”
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