Jammu: Raman Bhalla on Friday expressed concern over the proposed integration of ration cards of displaced Kashmiri Pandit migrant families into the National Food Security Act database, saying the move has created anxiety within the community regarding its identity and legal status as internally displaced persons.
The senior Congress leader said the Kashmiri Pandit community has been living in exile and surviving on relief since 1990 after being forced to migrate from the Valley under difficult circumstances.
He stated that the displaced community cannot be treated as ordinary beneficiaries under the NFSA framework until its permanent rehabilitation and dignified return are ensured.
Bhalla said categorising displaced Kashmiri Pandit families under Priority Household (PHH) and Non-Priority Household (NPHH) classifications could weaken their historical, political and humanitarian recognition as a displaced community and may dilute the special relief and rehabilitation mechanisms created for them over the years.
He termed the concerns raised by Kashmiri Pandit organisations as genuine and said any decision affecting the displaced community should only be taken after proper consultation and confidence-building measures.
Expressing concern over reports regarding registration of an FIR against Kashmiri Pandit youth protesting the NFSA move, Raman Bhalla said criminalising peaceful protests was not the solution to sensitive humanitarian issues.
“The Kashmiri Pandit community has suffered decades of pain, displacement and uncertainty. Instead of intimidation and police action, the administration should engage with the community through dialogue and address their concerns with empathy and sensitivity,” he said.
He further stated that democratic institutions must allow space for peaceful expression of grievances and warned that suppressing concerns through legal action could deepen mistrust among the displaced community.
Bhalla urged the administration to review the NFSA-related decision, withdraw the FIR registered against protesting youth and hold transparent discussions with representatives of the Kashmiri Pandit community to safeguard their rights, identity and rehabilitation-related protections.
