Calls for PoJK Refugee Representation in J-K Assembly

Rajiv Chuni, chairperson of SOS International, has urged the PoJK refugee community to contest the J-K assembly polls from areas where they have a strong presence. He highlighted the neglect faced by the community over the years and called for reserved seating and Pahari status for PoJK refugees.

Members of the Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) refugee community should contest the J-K assembly polls from seats where it has a significant presence, said an organisation on Sunday.

The Supreme Court has directed the central government to conclude the process of conducting the elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir by September 30. The Election Commission is yet to announce the polls' schedule.

During a demonstration to highlight the longstanding and overlooked issues of the community, SOS International chairperson Rajiv Chuni said, 'It was the resolve of today's rally that the PoJK community should field its own candidates in areas where it has a strong presence.' The organisation represents people displaced from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

'While it is a valid suggestion, we need to execute it wisely and cautiously. Political parties are adept at misleading people,' Chuni added.

He demanded that eight seats in the J-K assembly be reserved for the community and that Pahari status be granted to it.

Chuni claimed the community has historically failed to exercise their voting rights wisely, often swayed by emotions and false promises from political parties, which have consistently failed to meet their expectations.

He accused successive governments of failing to politically empower people displaced from PoJK, alleging that political parties have never ensured the community's representation in the assembly or Parliament.

Despite the population of Kashmiri migrants being smaller than that of PoJK refugees, they have been allocated one assembly seat following Jammu and Kashmir's delimitation exercise, he said.

In the last decade, the BJP-led Centre has neglected PoJK refugees, Chuni claimed, adding that the 'double engine' BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir has worsened their situation.

'There is strong resentment among the refugees, leaving us with no options but to start a mass agitation for our legitimate rights,' Chuni said.

In December 2016, the central government approved a one-time financial assistance of Rs 5.5 lakh per family to PoJK refugees, he said.

However, the recommendation was Rs 25 lakh per family, alongside reservations in professional colleges and a special employment package for unemployed educated youth, Chuni claimed.