JAMMU, Jun 20: On the occasion of World Refugee Day, senior BJP leader and former Sarpanch Adv. Devraj Sharma, himself belonging to a family displaced from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), paid tribute to the resilience, sacrifices and indomitable spirit of millions of displaced people across the world, particularly those who were uprooted from their ancestral lands during the Partition of 1947 and subsequent conflicts.
In a statement issued here today, Adv. Sharma said that World Refugee Day is not merely an occasion for remembrance but also a reminder of the continuing struggles faced by displaced communities who were forced to leave behind their homes, properties, cultural heritage and centuries-old roots due to circumstances beyond their control.
Drawing attention to the plight of POJK displaced families, Sharma said that thousands of families who migrated to Jammu and other parts of the country following Pakistan’s aggression in 1947 have carried the burden of displacement for generations. Despite their remarkable contribution to nation-building and the socio-economic development of Jammu and Kashmir, many issues concerning displaced persons continue to require sustained attention.
“As a member of a displaced family, I understand the pain of losing one’s homeland, ancestral property and identity. The memories of displacement are passed from one generation to another, reminding us of the sacrifices made by our forefathers in the service of the nation,” Sharma said.He stated that the refugee and displaced communities of Jammu and Kashmir have demonstrated extraordinary resilience despite decades of hardship. Starting their lives afresh under difficult circumstances, they have made significant contributions in education, agriculture, business, public service, defence and various other fields.
Adv. Sharma said World Refugee Day should also serve as an opportunity to acknowledge the sufferings endured by displaced persons from POJK, West Pakistan refugees, border residents affected by cross-border shelling and terrorism, and families displaced due to militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that every displaced community deserves dignity, security, equal opportunities and recognition of its sacrifices.
The BJP leader appreciated the various initiatives taken in recent years for the welfare and empowerment of displaced communities and said that such measures have helped address several long-pending concerns. However, he maintained that efforts should continue to ensure comprehensive rehabilitation, enhanced educational opportunities for youth, improved employment prospects, adequate housing facilities and social security for vulnerable families.
Sharma also called for preserving the history, culture and heritage of displaced communities so that future generations remain aware of the struggles and sacrifices made by their ancestors. He said that the stories of displacement, courage and survival constitute an important chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir and should be documented and remembered.
Expressing solidarity with refugees and displaced persons across the globe, Sharma observed that forced displacement remains one of the greatest humanitarian challenges facing humanity. He stressed the need for global efforts to promote peace, stability, human rights and conflict resolution so that people are not compelled to abandon their homes and livelihoods.
“Every refugee carries a story of loss, courage and hope. On World Refugee Day, we must reaffirm our commitment to building a society where every displaced person can live with dignity, security and equal opportunity,” he said.Adv. Sharma urged the younger generation to learn from the perseverance and determination displayed by displaced families, noting that their journey from adversity to achievement is a powerful example of resilience and patriotism.
Concluding his message, the senior BJP leader reiterated that the nation must never forget the sacrifices of displaced communities from POJK and other affected regions. He expressed confidence that through collective efforts, justice, empowerment and lasting support can be ensured for all those who continue to bear the legacy of displacement while contributing wholeheartedly to the progress of the country.