JAMMU: PoK refugees of 1947, 1965 and 1971 have been deprived of their genuine claim of Rs. 25 lakh per family as was recommended by the State Government headed by then Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. This was stated by senior leader National Conference and former Minister Ajay Sadhotra while addressing a meeting of youth workers of party here at Deri Morh in Block Marh where number of BJP workers joined NC. He alleged that BJP Government in the State and Centre is anti PoK refugees. “Omar Abdullah Government has recommended Rs. 9000 crore for about 36,000
families of PoK refugees to the Central Government for release of funds at the earliest. He said that the aforesaid amount could be disbursed among PoK refugee families as one time settlement.
“The BJP during 2014 Assembly elections misguided the PoK refugees as usual and said they will give Rs. 30 lakh per family. It is unfortunate that the promise of BJP again proved to be Jumla as the Government partnered by BJP released Rs. 2000 crore only for PoK refugees which is a cruel joke with the people who are suffering and struggling since 1947. They have made lot of sacrifices”, said National Conference leader. He demanded that the central Govt should release Rs. 9000 crore as recommended by then state government so that the sufferers could be given Rs. 25 lakh per family instead Rs. 2000 crore.
Sadhotra welcomed the new young entrants in the party and hoped that their coming to the party will strengthen the hands of Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah. Those who joined are Ankush Kesar, Sanjeev Kesar, Rakesh Sharma, Rajesh Khajuria, Deepak, Sourav Sharma, Vipan Sharma, Sonu Khajuria and Raka Salaria. Others who spoke on the occasion include Swaran Singh, Pt. Jagdish Raj, Master Prem Saini, Subedar Ghasita Ram, Subedar Narayan Dass, Charandass, Deewan Singh, Keemat Lal, Raman Singh, Randhir Singh, Ankush Kesar, Kannu, Rakesh Sharma and Anchal Singh.