Implement JPC recommendations & give ownership rights on land allotted to DPs: Manjit Singh

DP's deputation calls on CM, submit memorandum

VIJAYPUR: A deputation of Displaced Persons (DP's) led by former minister and Congress leader Manjit Singh today called on Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and demanded ownership rights on the land being allotted to them by the Government in Jammu and Kashmir.
Manjit Singh, who led the deputation, also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, in which he highlighted various demands of the DPs.
Quoting his meeting with the CM, Manjit Singh said the Government should make it clear how much final (total) compensation to the DPs would be given by the Government.
"The DPs should know about the total compensation package from the Government," he informed CM, adding advised that Government should follow the recommendations of Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) regarding the package to DPs. They (JPC) had recommended Rs 30 lakhs compensation to each DP family and it should be implemented. He also expressed concern over the attitude of administration where they are taking affidavits from the DPs. "Govt should ask officials on ground not to take affidavits from DPs and instead, ease the process of formalities for the DPs with regard to the compensation distribution.
He said that the DPs are asked to prove that they have come from PoK. It is hard for every DP to keep some written record with them even after seventy years. "They are state subjects and have their land record or other records and Government should consider it," he stressed. On this, the Chief Minister was also concerned and she said, she will look into it to reduce formalities.
Meanwhile, Manjit Singh also demanded a Displaced Person's Welfare Board in Jammu and Kashmir so that it can look into the concern and issues of the DPs.
He said that the DPs of 1965 and 1971 should be given right on the land allotted to them by the Government whether it is state land or Custodian land. He also demanded special recruitment drive and reservation in educational institutions for DPs of 1947, 1965 and 1971 and reservation for peoples residing near International Border like residents of Line of Control.The deputation includes Capt (Retd) Balwant Singh Nagra, Choudhary Yash Pal, Bachan Choudhary, Brij Mohan Dutta, Paramjit Singh Pamma, Billu Choudhary, Ashok Choudhary, Gurcharan Singh and Surinder kumar.