Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Congress on Friday opposed the move to integrate relief ration benefits of displaced Kashmiri migrants with provisions of the National Food Security Act, terming the move “unjustified” as it could dilute the special relief structure provided to a community that has endured years of pain.
The party asserted that it stands firmly with the community and would continue to fight for their “just and genuine demands.”
Talking to reporters here, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) working president Raman Bhalla said the move could dilute the distinct identity and special status of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, who were forced to migrate from the Valley decades ago.
“We oppose the government’s reported move to merge the relief ration benefits of displaced migrants with provisions of the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Such a move could undermine the unique status of the migrant community,” Bhalla told reporters here.
His remarks came days after displaced Kashmiri Pandits staged a protest in Jammu against the administration’s move to bring their relief ration cards under the NFSA framework. Minor clashes were reported when demonstrators attempted to march towards the Relief Commissioner’s office.
Interacting with a delegation of migrants led by JKPCC Migrant Cell chairman Hira Lal Pandita, Bhalla said the migrant community had already endured years of pain, displacement and uncertainty, and any move affecting their special relief structure would add to their grievances.
“The relief and rehabilitation measures extended to Kashmiri migrants are not ordinary welfare schemes, but humanitarian support provided in recognition of the extraordinary circumstances that forced thousands of families to leave their homes,” he said.
The delegation maintained that displaced Kashmiri Pandits were issued temporary ration cards in 1990 as a recognition of their status as conflict-displaced persons and not as ordinary economic beneficiaries.
Pandita alleged that bringing these ration cards under the NFSA framework was an attempt to reduce pressure on the government in the absence of a concrete rehabilitation plan for migrants.
“Every such ration card holder belongs to only one category — that of a displaced survivor. By classifying them into priority and non-priority categories, a fraud is being committed against them,” the delegation said.
Bhalla also accused the BJP of “misusing” the issue of Kashmiri Pandits for political gains, alleging that the party has failed to adequately address their concerns.
Reiterating Congress’s support for the migrants, he recalled welfare and rehabilitation measures initiated during the previous Congress-led governments at the Centre, including the Prime Minister’s Employment Package for Kashmiri migrants, transit accommodation facilities and a Rs 1,600-crore rehabilitation package announced in 2008 by former prime minister Manmohan Singh.
According to Bhalla, the package included provisions for 6,000 government jobs for unemployed migrant youths, financial assistance for construction of houses, restoration of orchards and revival of agricultural holdings abandoned after displacement.
He urged the government to reconsider any move that could adversely affect the special relief structure of displaced migrants, saying humanitarian issues should be handled with compassion and responsibility.
