SOS International, an organization representing PoJK Displaced Persons, vehemently opposed the recent decision by the Union Government to reserve a single seat for displaced persons from PoJK in the J&K Legislative Assembly. Describing the reservation of one seat as a “big humiliation” and a “cruel joke” affecting the 17 lakh-strong PoJK community, the organization threatened to launch a vigorous agitation if their demands were not met.
Addressing reporters at the SOS International office in Bakshi Nagar, Jammu, Chairman Rajiv Chuni expressed disappointment and stated that the decision had insulted the entire PoJK community, which had been demanding eight seats in the J&K Legislative Assembly for decades. Chuni, accompanied by several community leaders, urged the Centre to reconsider its three major demands, warning of a robust movement before the Lok Sabha polls if their concerns were not addressed.
Chuni highlighted the historical context, stating that various government commissions and committees had recommended eight seats for displaced PoJK people based on their population in the Union Territory and other areas outside J&K. He pointed out that recommendations from the Wadhwa Committee, Interlocutors reports, the European delegation, and a parliamentary standing committee led by former Vice President Sh. Venkaiah Naidu supported the demand for eight reserved seats.
Expressing dismay at the disparity in the number of seats allocated to Kashmiri migrants and PoJK refugees, Chuni criticized the decision to allocate two seats to Kashmiri migrants and only one to the larger PoJK community. He argued that this move was a grave injustice and humiliation for the PoJK community, especially since the nominated seat would be chosen by the Lieutenant Governor rather than elected by the community.
Chuni further urged the Centre to fulfil the package announced for PoJK refugees in 2014, including compensation, reservation in professional and technical colleges, and job creation. He raised concerns about the denial of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to PoJK DPs in specific districts, alleging a deliberate attempt to create divisions within the community.
Attributing responsibility to leaders like Dr Jitendra Singh, Ravinder Raina, and Ashok Koul, Chuni criticized their alleged failure to advocate for the PoJK community’s rights. He appealed to the Centre to reconsider their demands, emphasizing the community’s anger and hurt over the decision.
The SOS International Chairman urged the government to address their genuine aspirations and ensure fair treatment for all sections of the PoJK community.
