 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 22: In a unified display of solidarity and determination, Kashmiri migrants residing outside of camps congregated at Udheywala Jammu for a landmark interaction meet. Orchestrated by Vishal Jotshi, coordinator of the Vitasta Helping Hand Trust, the gathering served as a pivotal platform for the displaced community to articulate their longstanding grievances and aspirations.
Dr. Arvind Karwani, newly appointed Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir, graced the event as chief guest, underscoring its significance in addressing the pressing needs of the marginalized community. Joined by esteemed community activists M.K. Yogi and Vinod Pandita, the forum witnessed impassioned discussions and calls to action.
From the outset, the meeting delved into the multifaceted challenges confronting Kashmiri migrants, who have endured forced exile for more than three decades. Central to the discourse were the plight of PM package employees, inadequate financial assistance, and the imperative of creating employment opportunities for the educated youth among the community.
M.K. Yogi, a prominent voice within the diaspora, emphasized the urgency of redressing the housing crisis faced by PM package employees, advocating for a substantial increase in their monthly assistance. Furthermore, he urged electoral reforms to streamline the voting process, ensuring the equitable participation of displaced Kashmiris in democratic proceedings.
Vinod Pandita echoed Yogi's sentiments, stressing the critical need for a comprehensive and time-bound rehabilitation policy facilitating the dignified return of displaced Kashmiris to their homeland. Pandita also called for the effective implementation of existing legislation, such as the Immovable Migrant Property Act 1997, to safeguard the rights and interests of the community.
Vaibhav Mattoo, a vocal social activist, spotlighted the indispensable requirement for consistent access to potable water and the upkeep of migrant quarters, urging immediate action to address these basic necessities.
Representatives from the PM Package Coordination Committee seized the opportunity to present a detailed memorandum of demands to the Relief Commissioner, encompassing a spectrum of issues ranging from promotions to accommodations. Their plea resonated with the broader community, underscoring the collective urgency for substantive change.
In his address, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner Dr. Arvind Karwani extended assurances of his unwavering commitment to addressing the community's concerns expeditiously. Pledging to elevate the discussed issues to the highest echelons of administration, he affirmed his dedication to fostering tangible solutions.
Throughout the meeting, voices of concern resonated from various corners, with individuals like Mohan Lal Bhat, M.L. Pandita, and Shiban Ji contributing their perspectives to the dialogue.
As the interaction drew to a close, Vishal Jotshi extended heartfelt gratitude to all attendees and organizers, emphasizing the collective resolve to surmount the challenges facing Kashmiri migrants living beyond the confines of camps. In Udheywala, Jammu, a resounding call for action reverberated, heralding hope for a brighter future for the displaced community. |
