Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 21: Kashmiri Pandits under the aegis of Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj (YAIKS) led by its chief, R K Bhat launched its agitational programme by taking out a rath yatra followed by scooter rally from YAIKS Headquarters Muthi to Governor House protesting against delaying of implementation of PM’s return, relief and rehabilitation package for Kashmiri migrants announced way back in 2008.
Terming the package a mere eyewash the protesters demanded that the package needs to be restructured, redesigned and revisited after having a proper dialogue with the concerned representatives of the community.
Addressing the rally R K Bhat questioned the State Government that what initiative and responsibilities they have taken for minorities after the mass exodus. How much State exchequer is involved for the welfare of displaced Pandits, he asked further?
Bhat, while taking a dig at State Government said “are we not the stakeholders and citizens of J&K State,. `Whatever little bit is being done for us is being sponsored by GoI only,. Let the State Government furnish the details of the expenses they made for last 27 years for our welfare? It shows we are unnecessary carrying out State Subject and voter list in this biased State of J&K”, he added.
He said the only identity of the displaced Pandits is that they are holding the temporary ration cards for last 27 years in world’s biggest democracy India which failed to protect us in our homeland. This is totally shameful as the secularism failed its test in Kashmir where from the minority Hindus were hounded out for professing a different faith, he added.
He demanded a white paper from State Government as what measures it has taken during last 27 years for the welfare and rehabilitation of the community.
Bhat said the promises and commitments made by the successive Central and State Governments were not kept till date and the eight percent of the PM’s package has not been implemented so far.
He said no return formula will be accepted unless the demands of the community are addressed. He demanded smart cities for KPs in Valley, PM package and non package employees be declared at par with migrant employees, one time compensation of 25 lakh for over aged youth, implementation of left over posts, declaration of Kashmiri displaced Pandits as Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) with political empowerment.
He said the YAIKS will continue the struggle by holding protests, seminars, and workshops. B K Bhat, vice president of the organization, Manoj Handoo its general secretary, Sanjay Ganjoo and Ajay Safaya its secretaries, D N Bhat, Pushkar Nath Pandita, Shuban Krishan Koul, Mohan Lal Pandita, Bhushan Lal, advisors. Besides Kuldeep Pandita, and Comrade Mohan Lal of Thinkers Forum also attended the protest.
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