Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 20: SOS International-an organization for PoK Displaced Persons (DPs) and Jammu and Kashmir PoJK Refugee Front 1947,65,71 today organized a day-light candle march and protest dharna separately on the International Refugee Day here at Maheshpura Chowk and Press Club demanding that PoK DPs be declared as refugees or Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Thousands of PoK displaced persons participated in the march. Each year on June 20, the United Nations and countless civic groups around the world host World Refugee Day events in order to draw the public attention to the millions of refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, conflict and persecution.
While speaking on the occasion, SOS International Chairman, Rajiv Chuni said that soon after the formation of United Nations, Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) residents were subjected to genocide from their native places in 1947 and their plight still continues for the last 68 years.
Chuni further said that “Refugees” and “Internally Displaced Persons” are the terms that fall within the legal definition of international refugee law but Government labeled PoK DPs with only “Displaced Persons” term which do not fall in the legal classification of refugees or Internally Displaced Persons which is unfortunate due to which PoK DPs have been living under miserable conditions since long.
He stated that India considers PoK an integral part of India and PoK DPs will be restored there but nothing has been witnessed so far which adds fuel to fire. “International refugee law is not applicable here as India is not a signatory in UN but it should have made its own commission or law which looks into the affair of PoK DPs to resolve their status and rehabilitate them in a legal manner”, he said.
Chuni further said that PoK DPs have gone through very tough times and the same is still continued which needs to be given full stop and UN with its powers must help PoK DPs on humanitarian grounds and they must be given facilities as per international refugee law.
Jammu and Kashmir PoJK Front 1947, 65 & 71 led by Rachhpal Singh Chib held protest demonstration and dharna at the Press Club to mark the International Refugee Day today. They were carrying banners and placards in their hands depicting their demands of one time settlement. They were also raising slogans against the Government for not taking any decision with regard to the comprehensive package recommended for them.
A large number of women activists also participated in the protest programme. Mr Chib and some other leaders addressed the gathering and criticized the respective previous Governments for exploiting them for their vote bank. They appealed the BJP led Government at the Centre to resolve this issue once for all.
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