Migrants of Jagti camp frame APAC on power tariff

Reconsider decision: Bakaya

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 17: Vijay Bakaya general secretary, Apni Party has expressed anguish at the decision of the Government to charge electricity tariff from the Kashmiri Pandits living in migrant camps.
Reminding the Government that these displaced people have been living in these camps for the last 32 years and unlike many others they are not in a position to build their own houses because they are not financially well to do.
They are those who subsist on relief of Rs 13000 for a family of four and free ration.
Therefore charging of electricity bills would be a great burden on their limited income and would affect their day to day lives.
He appealed to the Government to reconsider this decision which has remained in force for ever since these people have been displaced.
He pointed out that their camps are not being properly maintained and they suffer other inconveniences like irregular water supply and cleanliness.
Bakaya urged that Government should not implement the order issued recently for charging of electricity tariff for migrants living in camps.
Meanwhile, Migrant Welfare Committee Topsherkhan Quarters, president, Sanjay Raina has also expressed his dismay over charging of power and water tariff from migrant relief holders and demanded that the order be immediately revoked.
An emergency meeting of All Party Action Committee (APAC) of Jagti migrant camp was held regarding holding of mass protest against the order issued by the Government for charging of electricity charges from migrants living in camps as well as Transit camps in Kashmir.
It has been decided to lodge protest en masse in a couple of days and it is apprehended that such protest may create law & order problem also keeping in view the coming G-20 meet being held in J&K. The Action Committee has decided to request & warn the Government in the first instant for revoking the decision as the migrants are not living in camps on their own but due to the failure of successive Governments for working out the permanent rehabilitation. The committee has further resolved that future action programme will be announced after one week if the Government fails to settle the issue