Govt has vindictive attitude towards Pandits: Chrungoo

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 5: Accusing the Government of having vindictive mindset towards displaced Kashmiri Pandits, Panun Kashmir (PK) today warned Government of serious consequences if it does not change its attitude towards the hapless community leading an exiled life for last 23 years.
Talking to reporters here today, PK chairman, Dr Ajay Chrungoo along with its general secretary, Kuldeep Raina, President AKPSC, O N Trisal and Jagti representatives of PK, Chand Ji Pandita and Sanjay Raina said this mindset manages the affairs of Jagti township which has led to present crisis there.
Extending full support to the demands of relief holders, Dr Chrungoo demanded immediate enhancement of cash relief to Rs 15,000 per month. This is a just demand and long overdue in the light of steep inflation which has taken place during recent years, he added.
He said the existing cash relief is inadequate to maintain a family totally dependent on relief in these hard days when even salaried class is unable to face the economic crisis. Moreover in recent years the economic destitution in the camps has only increased along with the Government apathy and insensitivity.
Dr Chrungoo said the indefinite hunger strike by the residents of the Jagti camp for internally displaced Kashmiri Hindus is a cause of concern for entire community and KPs are solidly behind them at this hour, he added.
Dr Chrungoo said the PK has watched with dismay and shock the handling of camp affairs by State Government and Relief Organization seems to be working as a political department of the State Government seeking the displaced people to confirm the Government’s line on relief, return and rehabilitation.
He while accusing the Government of unleashing a reign of terror in the camps said in excruciating heat of Summer water supply in Jagti remained disrupted for over a fortnight and the Government failed to restore the same though crores of Rupees have been spent on the said scheme. Likewise the electric supply in the camps is worst in the State and the disruption in water and power crisis is almost driving the residents of Jagti camp to suicide, he added.
He wanted to know when CM himself declared that the Government has Rs 1900 crore arrears on account of electricity charges with people why the Jagti camp was singled out and power cut enforced when Government is duty bound to provide the facility to the displaced people free of cost.