Jammu, October 7 (KNS): Kashmiri Pandit organisations have urged the Centre, Union Home Minister, Lieutenant Governor and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister to address the long-pending issues faced by displaced Kashmiri Pandits living in exile for more than three decades.

In a joint statement, M K Yogi, general secretary of Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj, and Vinod Pandita, president of the Displaced Kashmiri Pandit Front, said the community continues to face several difficulties and sought their resolution on humanitarian grounds and as a matter of justice and equity.

The organisations called for enhancement of the monthly relief assistance from Rs 13,000 to Rs 25,000, citing the rise in prices of essential commodities. They also sought the creation and advertisement of 20,000 posts for educated unemployed displaced youth.

They demanded a concrete and time-bound policy for the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley with dignity and honour, construction of additional accommodation for migrants living on rent in Jammu and other parts of the country, and implementation of the Migrant Property Act, 1997, in letter and spirit.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The groups also appealed to the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir, to undertake repairs and renovation of migrant quarters at Jagti and other camps in Jammu on a fast-track basis, citing their alleged dilapidated condition.

They further sought speedy disposal of genuine and deserving revalidation cases pending with the department, saying many needy migrants were facing difficulties in getting their grievances addressed.

The organisations also sought an extension of the deadline for issuance of pending ration and urged the authorities to dispose of public grievances without delay.

The demands were also endorsed by social activists including Virender Ganjoo, Vinod Bhat, Jyoti Dhar, Vishal Jotshi, Sanjay Raina, Inderjit Raina, Dazy Dhar, Meenakshi, Bal Krishan Bhat, Shuban Ji Raina, Sahil Pandita and Sushma Dhar, among others.(KNS)