Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 8: Refugees from Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) held strong protest demonstration near Press Club and demanded a comprehensive package of Rs 25 lakh per family as one time settlement.
A large number of refugees under the banner of Jammu and Kashmir PoJK Refugee Front -1947, 65, 71 assembled at the Exhibition Ground near Press Club at around 11 am and started protest demonstration. Rashpal Singh Chib, president of the Front was leading. A large number of women activists also attended the protest programme.
The refugees were shouting slogans in support of their demands. Many of them were carrying placards and banners in their hands depicting their demands. Several of them also addressed the gathering and criticized the Government for causing delay in mitigating their sufferings. They alleged that Government has always befooled them and now enough is enough. The elections are drawing nearer and in last five years the outcome was big zero. Nothing is going to be provided to the refugees, it seems.
Mr Chib in his address alleged that refugees from PoJK have been deprived of their rights of final settlement, financial, social, educational, employment and political. The directions of the Central Government, verdict of the Supreme Court and National Human Rights Commission are not being adhered to. He urged the State Government to forward the its recommendations to the Central Government after amending the present draft package that is financial package of Rs 25 lakh per family, ownership rights on land and property, payment / compensation against loss of life of 1947, 1965 and 71, 5% quota in jobs and professional institutions for the wards of refugees etc.
The Front members warned to launch massive agitation if the Government failed to provide them justice. Sham Singh, Brij Ram and Krishna Chib also addressed the gathering.
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