Sham, Sagar enter into verbal dual, CM intervenes
SRINAGAR: Notwithstanding resistance by some Kashmir centric ministers, the Cabinet on Thursday approved the financial package for a one-time full and final settlement of the bonafide state subject PoK-displaced and Chhamb-displaced persons for being recommended to the Government of India.
The proposal includes providing funds to the tune of Rs. 9,096 crore for payment of compensation as one time settlement in favour of 36,384 PoK/Chhamb displaced at the rate Rs. 25 lakh per family.
During peak of the meeting, a verbal dual between Congress and National Conference Ministers was witnessed over one-time full and final settlement of the claims of the refugees.
Minister for PHE Sham Lal Sharma spoke loudly when the Cabinet decided to take up the matter of POK refugees at last though placed at number one in the agenda.
National Conference Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar pointed out that the PoK refugees issue is one component of Sageer committee. Why it has to be considered at this stage and what is the hurry?”
Sham Lal Sharma raised his voice over Sagar’s objection, stating, “In the last Cabinet meet on 16th July, it was decided to take up the PoK refugees issue. The Sageer committee report stands already discussed and at this stage there is no need to get into it again.”
“POK and Chhambb refugees are displaced persons. They are bonafied state subjects, stated Sham, asking, “Why NC is delaying the demand of refugees.
At last, It was on the intervention of the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah that the issue was discussed and package approved for being recommended to the central government.’
Here it is relevant to mention that during last Cabinet meet on 16th July Sham LAl Sharma had walked out the of the meeting over the POK refugees issue when Sagar objected. However, it was decided to put the matter in next meet. Since then it was being ignored.
The Cabinet approved payment of ex-gratia compensation in favour of PoK DP families and Chhamb DPs of 1965 and 1971 at the rate of Rs 25 lakh per family against the losses suffered by them on account of immovable and moveable properties left out in Pakistan.
The recommendations also include job reservation in paramilitary forces/army and other Central Government services and reservation in professional colleges outside the State for the children of PoK and Chhamb refugees and inclusion of left out families for providing incentives.Sham Lal Sharma while talking to STATE TIMES said that the matter of West Pakistan refugees shall be discussed separately. “Our fight to get justice for them continues and we will restore their rights.”