Jammu, Feb 25 (KNS): A delegation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits on Tuesday met Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrant) Arvind Karwani here and raised various issues concerning the community, including extension of the deadline for filling NAFSA forms and a general amnesty.
The delegation, comprising socio-political activists and led by senior community leader M K Yogi and social activist Vinod Pandita, called on the commissioner at his office and submitted a memorandum highlighting the problems being faced by migrants.
Deputy Commissioner (Relief) Vijay Kumar Sharma, Assistant Commissioners (Relief) and zonal officers from Jammu, Udhampur and the Kashmir Valley attended the meeting, some of them through virtual mode, officials said.
The delegation sought an extension of at least two months for submission of NAFSA forms and demanded a general amnesty for displaced migrants, similar to relief granted in the past. They also urged enhancement of monthly cash assistance from Rs 13,000 to Rs 25,000 and called for a time-bound roadmap for the return and rehabilitation of migrants.
The members highlighted the need for repair and renovation of quarters in migrant camps, alleging that several accommodations were in dilapidated condition. They also sought fast-track disposal of cases in relief offices to avoid inconvenience to displaced families.
Issues related to accommodation for PM package employees posted in the Valley, disbursement of pending compensation for damaged properties of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990, and implementation of the J&K Migrant Immovable Property Act, 1997, were also raised during the meeting.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The delegation further demanded construction of additional residential quarters in Jammu for migrants living in rented accommodations and sought special attention for families residing in one-room tenements at Purkhoo camp, including better water and electricity supply.
Karwani gave a patient hearing to the delegation and apprised them of the steps taken so far for the welfare of migrants. He assured the members that the issues raised would be taken up with higher authorities for early resolution.
The commissioner also indicated that new quarters would be constructed in Jammu in the near future and said the matter of extending the NAFSA form deadline and granting amnesty would be examined in consultation with the competent authorities. Directions were issued on the spot to concerned officers to address public grievances in a time-bound manner, officials said.
Meanwhile, Avtar Krishan Koul, who had been on a sit-in protest for over three months over an alleged land-grabbing issue, ended his protest following assurances from the commissioner, the delegation members said.(KNS).