STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla on Saturday expressed anguish at the decision of the Government to charge electricity tariff from the Kashmiri Pandits living in migrant camps.
Bhalla on Saturday visited KP Migrants Camp Jagti Nagrota and joined protesting migrants when he came to know that they have been protesting for the last seven days to listen to their grievances. Prominent among those present on the occasion include Hira Lal Pandita Chairman, Shadi Lal Pandita Convener, Chuni Lal Raina Kandi General Secretary, Virender Ganjoo General Secretary, Ashok Dhar Secretary.
Bhalla expressed his dismay over charging of power and water tariff from migrant relief holders and demanded that the order be immediately revoked.
Reminding the Government that these displaced people have been living in these camps for the last 32 years and unlike many others they are not in a position to build their own houses because they are not financially well to do. They are those who subsist on relief of Rs 13000 for a family of four and free ration. Bhalla appealed to the Government to reconsider this decision which has remained in force for ever since these people have been displaced. Bhalla said Congress feels and understands the pain of this migrant community since they have literally been uprooted by the conflict and forced to migrate from their birth place. He assured them that Congress will launch various schemes that will benefit the community in large unlike other parties who visit the township to score political points.