Demonstrators demand ₹30 lakh compensation per family, land rights, and 12 reserved Assembly seats for displaced communities
Jammu, March 25: Displaced Persons (DPs) from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) staged a protest in Jammu on Tuesday, calling for the implementation of a comprehensive relief package and political representation through reserved Assembly seats.
The protest, held at Maharaja Hari Singh Park, saw participation from a large number of displaced families under the banner of the PoJK DPs’ Front representing those affected by conflicts in 1947, 1965, and 1971, including non-camp refugees. The demonstration was led by the group’s president, Capt (Retd) Yudhvir Singh Chib.
Key Demands Raised by Protesters
Participants outlined several long-pending demands related to financial assistance, land allocation, and political representation:
- Compensation of ₹30 lakh per displaced family, as recommended by a Joint Parliamentary Committee
- Release of the pending ₹24.50 lakh per family, following an initial installment of ₹5.50 lakh under the Prime Minister’s relief package
- Reservation of 12 Assembly seats for displaced persons from PoJK
- Allocation of 10 marla plots from retrieved government land
- Ownership rights for agricultural land currently occupied by displaced families
- Clearance of around 3,000 pending claims related to the relief package
Leadership Statement
Addressing the gathering, Capt (Retd) Yudhvir Singh Chib said that many displaced families continue to face delays in receiving full compensation despite earlier assurances. He noted that only a portion of the promised financial assistance has been disbursed so far.
He also highlighted that significant tracts of government land have been reclaimed from encroachers in Jammu and Kashmir, urging authorities to prioritize its allocation to displaced families and other refugees who lack adequate housing.
Chib further called for expedited processing of thousands of pending files linked to the relief package, stating that prolonged delays have added to the hardships faced by affected families.
Background and Context
Displaced persons from PoJK include families who migrated to India during and after conflicts between India and Pakistan in 1947, 1965, and 1971. Many of them settled in Jammu and surrounding regions, often without permanent land ownership or sufficient compensation.
Over the years, successive governments have announced relief measures, including financial packages. However, sections of the displaced community have repeatedly raised concerns about incomplete disbursement, administrative delays, and lack of political representation.
The demand for reserved Assembly seats has also been a longstanding issue, with community leaders arguing that formal representation would allow them to better advocate for their rights and welfare.
Public Impact
If implemented, the demands could significantly affect thousands of displaced families in Jammu and Kashmir by improving access to housing, financial stability, and legal land ownership.
The allocation of land and completion of pending compensation claims could provide long-term relief to families that have lived in uncertainty for decades. Meanwhile, political representation through Assembly seats could give the community a more direct voice in policymaking.
What Lies Ahead
There has been no immediate response from government authorities regarding the latest set of demands. However, the protest underscores ongoing concerns among displaced communities over delayed benefits and unresolved issues.
Observers note that any policy decision on compensation, land allocation, or political representation would require coordination between the central and Jammu and Kashmir administrations.
Inputs & Images: Hindusthan Samachar
Edited By: Akshaya Polepalli
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