Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 22: Dozens of Kashmiri Pandits protested in city centre here against the “pathetic” conditions of migrant employees working in Valley under Prime Minister’s Return and Rehabilitation Package.
The protesters assembled in Pratap Park here under the banner of Youth All India Kashmir Samaj (YAIKS) and attempted to march towards Clock Tower at Lal Chowk. The protesters, including females, were holding placards which read: “We want to Go Back and we are refugees in our own country”.
As the protesters tried to move towards Lal Chowk, a large contingent of police stopped them. The protesters, however, tried to break the police restrictions but they were detained by cops after minor scuffle. The protesters were detained in nearby Kothi Bagh Police Station and were later let off.
Talking to reporters before being detained, the migrant Pandit employees said that they are living in pathetic condition in Valley for several years but the successive Governments are showing no concern towards them.
Urging the Central Government to refrain from announcing further packages, the protesters said: “Before announcing packages, the Government needs to look into the grievances and problems that are being faced by the serving migrant employees.”
Threatening to leave Valley, the protesters gave 30 day “ultimatum” to Government and said: “If the immediate and genuine needs are not addressed within 30 days we will be forced to start direct action programme and to call all employees back to Jammu working under PM’s package in different parts of the Valley”.
Follow our WhatsApp channel