Srinagar, Feb 23: A delegation of political migrants met with All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary and former JKPCC President, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, urging his intervention in the restoration of their monthly migrant pension and relief provided by the government.
The delegation voiced their concerns about the cessation of their pension and relief, alleging harassment by the government without any apparent reasons. They emphasized that while other migrants continue to receive their entitlements, their payments have been abruptly halted, leading to significant financial distress for their families.
These political migrants, originating from various districts of Kashmir, recounted their decades-long displacement and highlighted the threats they faced from militants. Despite enduring personal tragedies and contributing to efforts for peace in Kashmir, they lamented the sudden withdrawal of their only means of livelihood by the current administration.
Expressing profound concern and dismay, the AICC General Secretary condemned the government’s decision to halt the migrant pension, deeming it unfortunate and inhumane. He said these individuals had chosen a migrant life out of necessity for their safety and security, and their pension had been sanctioned accordingly after thorough verification processes.
Mir criticized the “unjustifiable” decision to deny pensions to political migrants and urged the government to revoke it immediately to prevent further hardships. “These individuals deserve equitable treatment based on their sacrifices and contributions to peace-building efforts during the peak of militancy in Kashmir,” he said.
He called upon both the Central Government and the J&K LG Administration to rectify the situation promptly and ensure that political migrants receive their entitled benefits without discrimination.
