Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 21: Representatives of various political parties and organizations of Kashmiri Pandit Community including All Parties Migrants Coordination Committee and Kashmiri Pandit Welfare Organizations today called on the Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu at the Raj Bhavan, and expressed their gratitude towards Government of India and J&K UT Administration for the introduction of new Domicile Law in J&K.
The members of these delegations termed the new Domicile Law of Jammu and Kashmir as historic. They also reiterated that the removal of Article 370 and Article 35A, which proved to be a stumbling block in the path of development, would take the UT to new heights of growth and development.
While interacting with the members of the delegations, the Lt Governor observed that the new Domicile Law will ensure equitable, balanced and inclusive development of Jammu and Kashmir and its people.
A delegation of All Parties Migrants Coordination Committee (APMCC) led by its Chairman, Vinod Pandit comprising of various political leaders including Vijay Bakaya, former Chief Secretary/ex-MLC and leader of Apni Party; Kuldeep Khoda, former DGP/CVC J&K; Ashok Sidha (senior PDP leader) and President Martand Tirtha Trust Mattan (Kashmir); Dr T K Bhat, General Secretary ASKPC ; Rajiv Pandita, BJP Kashmir Spokesman; Ranjan Jyotshi, President PM Package Employees and Arvind Koul, former President KPIT and JCDA met the Lt Governor and discussed various developmental issues of J&K.
They lauded the UT Administration for taking comprehensive measures to meet the aspirations of the people of J&K, particularly, the introduction of Domicile Law.
The delegation also presented a cheque of Rs 1.75 lakh to the Lieutenant Governor as a contribution to PM CARES Fund towards the efforts being undertaken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Kashmiri Pandit Welfare Organizations headed by Dr. K.N Pandita (Padma Shri), comprising of ex-MLCs Surinder Ambardar & G.L Raina; KK Khosa, President Kashmiri Pandit Sabha Jammu; and several social activists put forth various welfare issues of Kashmiri Pandit community including simplification of voting process; speeding up of selection process under PM Package; transit accommodation for migrant employees etc.
On being apprised of the issue of protection of shrines; the Lt Governor maintained that the Government has already taken up the issue to ensure the safety and security of the shrines and devotees.
The Lt Governor further assured the members of the delegations that Government of India and the UT Government is committed to addressing all the issues of J&K.
Meanwhile, delegations of Valmiki Samaj; Shree Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha and World Brahmin Sabha, JK Chapter also called on the Lieutenant Governor.
During their interaction with the Lt Governor, the members of the delegations commended the steps initiated by the UT Administration and the Government of India for boosting the pace of development in J&K and welcomed the introduction of J&K Domicile Law. They said that the UT Administration led by the Lt Governor has instilled the feeling of equitable development and oneness among people of all communities.
A delegation of Shree Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha, J&K led by its President, Pavitar Singh, (Retd. Sessions Judge) appreciated the UT Administration and the Government of India for the promulgation of Domicile Certificate Rules, and providing hassle free process for the registration of the said certificate. They also raised issues of public importance including protection of heritage monuments of Dogra Rulers.
The members of the World Brahmin Sabha, JK Chapter, briefed the Lt Governor about the activities being undertaken by WBS during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also submitted a memorandum of demands pertaining to welfare of general public of J&K including digitization and English encryption of all Revenue Records; online Building Plan permission; rehabilitation of Temples in Kashmir etc.
The members of Valmiki Samaj delegation apprised the Lt Governor about various welfare issues of their community. They demanded preferences in Government Jobs to people belonging to Valmiki Community, on which, the Lt Governor said that a Commission has been established to look into such matters.
The Lt Governor observed that the development of every section of the society is a key in the development of any region and Government is making every possible effort to meet the development aspirations of people all communities of J&K.