Jammu, 13 June (H.S.): Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj (VKS), under the aegis of Shri Mata Kheer Bhawani Welfare Society, held a press conference at Press Club Jammu, raising serious concerns over the prolonged neglect of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community and reiterating the demand for their dignified return to the Valley-on their own terms and in a secure environment.

Kiran Wattal, convener of the society, presented a comprehensive report highlighting multiple grievances of the community. Among the major issues raised was the stagnant monthly relief of Rs 3,250 per individual, which the speakers said has remained unchanged for years and is grossly inadequate given rising living costs. The organization demanded an urgent revision of this amount.

The press conference also highlighted that nearly 50% of the beneficiaries are still awaiting their ex-gratia payments, and horticultural and agricultural losses suffered during the 1990s remain unassessed to this day.

The speakers further pointed to the incomplete implementation of the Prime Minister’s Package announced in 2008-09. A significant portion of the promised jobs remains unfulfilled, and the community called for fresh recruitment of at least 5,000 posts across various departments without rigid conditions. Housing for the PM package employees in the Valley also remains a major concern, with many still waiting for proper accommodation.

The condition of migrant camps in Jammu was also brought into sharp focus. Speakers demanded immediate improvements in essential services like drinking water, healthcare, sanitation and infrastructure.

M K Yogi, general secretary of Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj, made a strong appeal to the Government to treat these issues with urgency and seriousness.

The event was attended by several prominent members and office bearers of the community, including Prem Sharma, Ravi Bakshi, Dr T K Bhat, Pintoo Pandita, Kamal Krishan Ganjoo, Muktesh Yogi and Prof A N Sadhu.

The press conference concluded with a united call for justice, dignity, and the long-awaited homecoming of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar