JAMMU, Aug 25: Senior BJP leader and former Sarpanch Adv Devraj Sharma today called for a zero-tolerance approach towards threats and intimidation targeting displaced Kashmiri Hindu employees serving in the Valley under the Prime Minister’s Package, stressing that such attempts must not be allowed to undermine the confidence of employees or disrupt the process of rehabilitation.
Adv Sharma said the priority at the present juncture should be to ensure that every employee serving in the Valley feels safe and protected while discharging official responsibilities. He urged the administration and security agencies to adopt a proactive approach by assessing vulnerabilities, strengthening security arrangements and responding swiftly to credible threats.
He said employees appointed under the Prime Minister’s Package are serving government institutions and contributing to the functioning and development of Jammu and Kashmir. Any attempt to intimidate them because of their identity or place of origin is an attack on the broader principle of an inclusive and peaceful society.
“Threats cannot decide where an Indian citizen will live, work or serve. Those attempting to create fear among employees are only exposing their frustration and inability to accept the changing situation in Jammu and Kashmir,” Adv Sharma said.
He maintained that the security of employees should be viewed comprehensively rather than being confined to their offices. Adequate protection and monitoring, he said, should extend to residential areas and transit routes, particularly in locations assessed as vulnerable.Adv Sharma also called for a strong intelligence and investigation mechanism to identify the origin of threats, verify their credibility and bring those responsible to justice. He said that individuals and networks involved in issuing or facilitating threats should face stringent action under law.
“The answer to intimidation must be stronger security, better intelligence and decisive action against those responsible. No employee should be left to face a security threat alone,” he said.He emphasised that the rehabilitation and employment of displaced Kashmiri Hindus in the Valley represents an important effort towards restoring confidence and ensuring their participation in the social and economic life of Jammu and Kashmir. Any attempt to create conditions that force employees to withdraw from their duties would amount to allowing fear to dictate public policy.
Adv Sharma said the government must therefore send a clear message that employees will receive institutional protection and that their safety will remain a priority.He also appealed to employees to immediately report suspicious activities, threats or attempts at intimidation to the appropriate authorities instead of allowing fear and uncertainty to grow.
“Kashmiri Hindus will not be intimidated, terrorism cannot be allowed to dictate the future of Kashmir, and rehabilitation cannot be reversed through threats,” Adv Sharma said.
He expressed confidence that coordinated action by the administration and security agencies would ensure the safety of PM Package employees and prevent anti-national elements from exploiting fear to disturb peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir.