NEW DELHI: Refugee groups from Pakistan on Thursday accused successive governments of not listening to their problems and challenges and said the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir was a historic move that brought justice to many unheard voices in the region.
President of West Pakistan Refugee Association Raba Ram Gandhi called on Union Minister of State for Human Resources Jitendra Singh and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for granting citizenship which was denied to them earlier.
West Pakistani refugees (WPR) are people who migrated from areas of West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan, whereas East Pakistan is now Bangladesh) after the Partition of Pakistan in 1947 and settled in the former state of Jammu and Kashmir, mainly in Jammu, Kathua and Rajouri districts of Jammu Division. After the Pakistani invasion in 1947, around 5,764 families migrated to Jammu.
“We are deeply touched by the kindness and generosity shown towards us which has ensured our well-being and integration into Indian society,” the association said.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Personnel, the association accused successive governments of not listening to their problems and challenges.
The statement said they were also “saddened” by the fact that they had been “robbed of their voting rights and lawful citizenship for political gain.”
The refugees maintained that the abrogation of Article 370 was a historic move that brought justice to many “unheard voices” in Jammu and Kashmir.
The refugees also told the minister, who also represents Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency, that they would hold a grand celebration on the eve of August 5 to mark five years since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, which had “denied them citizenship and voting rights for so many years”.
The association also urged the minister to assist in prompt payment of compensation and resolution of other grievances, to which Singh assured a prompt response and timely resolution, it said.
“We pledge to contribute positively to our adopted home and work for its development and prosperity. We are grateful to the Indian government for welcoming us and giving us a chance for a fresh start,” the association said on behalf of the refugees.
Published July 18, 2024 18:38 IST
