Fast unto death by KPSS leaders in support of demands enters 6th day

Srinagar, Nov 26: Fast unto death by leaders of Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti (KPSS) in Srinagar has entered sixth day on Thursday, alleging that Union Territory (UT) administration has cheated them and refused to implement the directions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and courts.
A spokesman of the KPSS said president of the Samiti, Sanjay K Tickoo and Youth Activists Sandeep Koul and Bhupender Singh Jamwal are on fast unto death at Shri Sidhi Vinayak Ganesh Mandir, Ganpatyar, Habba Kadal in the old city Srinagar for the past six days.
This is the second time KPSS leaders started fast unto death alleging there was no other alternative left after government failed to implement the promises made when first fast was called off, he said.
He said centre has issued directions from time to time to UT government to address our issues. But, he said, some bureaucrats and politicians are playing a pivotal role in sabotaging the initiatives in favour of Kashmiri pundits who did not suffer and stayed in Kashmir when majority members of the community migrated from here in early 90s.

KPSS strongly believe that they are facing hatred and isolation from the present local governance because they stayed back in Kashmir Valley despite armed insurgency and political turmoil in early 90s.
Though, day-in and out, tall claims are made on every platform that present governance stand for “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” but we are facing step-motherly treatment from the local ruling politicians and bureaucrats, he said.
He said the demands included extension of PM’s Job Package and apportionment of 500 posts, one job per family for 808 Non-Migrant Kashmiri Pandit Families, Providing of Accommodation to all deserving Non-Migrant families under PM’s Relief and Rehabilitation Package, providing of necessary financial assistance to the 808 families, Extension of benefits of Migrant Welfare Fund to them, Constitution of Nodal Agency between UT Government including Relief Department headed by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir with one member from KPSS Core Committee, Protection, Preservation and Restoration of Temples and other religious institutions belonging to the religious minority in Kashmir Valley.