Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 11: Displaced families from Chhamb, Deva-Batala, Kotli, Mirpur, Bhimber and other parts of Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir held massive protest demonstration and courted arrest at Panjtirthi here today.
A large number of refugees, under the banner of PoK Refugees Front- 1947, 65,71 and led by Capt Yudhvir Singh (president) and Rashpal Singh Chib (general secretary), assembled at Mubarak Mandi complex in the morning. A large number of women activists also joined the struggle.
At around 11.30 am, the displaced persons from PoJK areas started their protest rally towards Radio Station Chowk Panjtirthi. The agitating refugees were carrying banners and placards in their hands depicting their demands. They were demanding comprehensive package and final settlement of their demands.
Several refugee leaders including Rashpal Singh Chib and Yudhvir Singh addressed the gathering and strongly criticized the Government for its failure to settle the pending issues of the displaced persons from Pakistan occupied J&K areas. They alleged that NC and PDP have never supported their cause and their leadership was working against them. The Congress leadership now has taken up the issue with UPA chairperson and Prime Minister realizing importance of this section of voters. They have some hope from present Congress leadership but now some bureaucrats have started creating hurdles in the process.
The agitating refugees then moved towards Pacca Danga Police Station to court arrests. The police contingent stopped marching refugees, packed them in buses and took them to District Police Lines. A police spokesman said that nearly 200 people were detained and later let off in the afternoon.
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