JAMMU, Aug 1: The Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj (YAIKS) on Saturday staged a massive protest demonstration in Jammu, demanding the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive rehabilitation policy for displaced Kashmiri Pandits in the Kashmir Valley. The organization also called for the announcement of a fresh employment package for 15,000 displaced youth under the Prime Minister’s Special Package.
Carrying placards and flags, wearing the organization’s signature yellow headbands, and raising slogans in support of their demands, hundreds of protesters including men, women, senior citizens, and youth assembled outside the Press Club in Jammu. The protest was led by YAIKS Chief Pt. R. K. Bhat (RamAvtar), along with core group members including Sanjay Ganjoo, Manoj Handoo, D. N. Sadhu, Naresh Raina, Sunil Dhar, Ravi Ji, Tej Krishan Tickoo, Kamal Tak, Ajay Pandita, Sanjay Raina, Shakuntla Bhat, Rohi Nazar, Lovely Bhan, Poonam Sharma, Suman Lata, Jimmy Bazaz, Sandeep Talashi, and others.
Addressing the gathering, YAIKS President Pt. R. K. Bhat (RamAvtar) said that nearly 15,000 displaced Kashmiri Pandit youth are prepared to return to the Kashmir Valley after 37 years of exile, provided the Government offers sustainable rehabilitation, including government employment in the Valley. He also sought employment for the Leftover Candidates (LOCs) aspirants, who have secured justice from the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) and the Government has been directed to adjust and appoint them under the PM’s employment package.
We appeal to the Narendra Modi-led Government of India to facilitate the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to their motherland after nearly 37 years of displacement. We believe Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision must ensure justice and rightful rehabilitation for Kashmiri Pandits during his current tenure. We request the Government to formulate a comprehensive return and rehabilitation package for the entire community,” he said. Expressing confidence in the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Union Territory administration, Bhat emphasized that the community continues to place its faith in the Government for a lasting solution.
Highlighting the organization’s past efforts, he said that YAIKS had, in 2010, motivated hundreds of displaced Kashmiri Pandit youth to return to the Valley, resulting in around 6,000 youth currently serving in government jobs under the Prime Minister’s employment package. He added that the movement continues, with another 15,000 youth awaiting a fresh employment package accompanied by proper infrastructure, compensation, security, and rehabilitation support.
The YAIKS President urged the Government to place a concrete rehabilitation proposal before the community. According to him, the package should include employment opportunities for displaced youth, provisions for overage aspirants and relief holders, restoration of lost rights and livelihoods, and effective implementation of court judgments delivered in favour of displaced Kashmiri Pandits and for the constitution of an Apex Committee for Kashmiri Pandits under the chairmanship of the Union Home Minister to deliberate on a comprehensive return and rehabilitation policy.
Among its other key demands, YAIKS sought the adoption of resolutions in both the Parliament of India and the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly supporting the dignified return and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits.