JAMMU, Aug 4: A delegation of senior Kashmiri migrant leaders and social activists on Tuesday met Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants) Dr. Arvind Karwani and urged him to ensure the time-bound resolution of several long-pending issues affecting the displaced Kashmiri migrant community.
The delegation, comprising Sanjay Dhar, A.K. Sadhu, Piaray Lal Pandita, Raj Kumar Ticku and other representatives from Jagti Migrant Camp and other migrant settlements, submitted a memorandum highlighting concerns related to housing, civic amenities, infrastructure and security.
The members sought immediate repair and renovation of migrant camp quarters, including leaking rooftops, damaged ceilings and deteriorating structures. They requested that the renovation work be carried out in a transparent and uniform manner across all camps and monitored by officials of the Relief Organisation to ensure quality and accountability.
The delegation also highlighted the continuing drinking water shortage in Jagti Township and TRT Nagrota, stating that regular water supply had not been fully restored despite earlier assurances. They requested the Relief Commissioner to personally monitor the issue and ensure uninterrupted water supply.
To improve grievance redressal, the delegation proposed that Zonal Officers spend at least one working day every week in their respective camps to hear residents’ complaints on the spot, particularly benefiting elderly persons, women and economically weaker families. Dr. Karwani agreed in principle and assured that appropriate directions would be issued.
The leaders further demanded removal of overgrown grass, including hazardous Congress grass, from parks in migrant camps to prevent health risks and snake infestations. They also sought repair of internal and main roads in Jagti Township, renovation of community and mourning halls along with associated facilities, and completion of pending allotment of shops in the township through a transparent process.
The delegation also discussed government welfare schemes available to displaced migrants following the implementation of NAFSA and assured the Commissioner that awareness would be created among eligible families to enable them to avail the benefits.
Among other issues, the delegation sought early allotment and possession of PM Package quarters to eligible employees and called for enhanced security at all Transit Camps in the wake of recent terrorist incidents in Kulgam.
Dr. Arvind Karwani gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured that all issues would be examined on priority. He said the renovation work would be carried out fairly and transparently without discrimination and that genuine concerns of the displaced community would receive due attention.
The delegation expressed satisfaction over the discussions and appreciated the assurances given by the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner. They also thanked the Deputy Commissioner, Relief, for participating in the meeting and deliberations on issues concerning the displaced Kashmiri migrant community.