The Diplomat Desk
Jammu :TDD,Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj (YAIKS) organized a significant Margdarshak Sammelan in Jammu to chart the future course for Kashmiri Pandits in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The day-long conference, presided over by YAIKS President Pt R K Bhat, saw participation from community stalwarts, leaders, and prominent citizens, with Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani as the Chief Guest.
During the conference, YAIKS presented its Vision Document 2025, which outlined both long-term and short-term objectives for the community. The long-term goals included a comprehensive return policy for Kashmiri Pandits who have been in exile for over 35 years, an Assembly resolution for their rehabilitation, and political empowerment through reserved Assembly seats. The organization specifically called for internal community elections under government supervision for the two reserved Assembly seats allocated by the Delimitation Commission.
On the short-term front, YAIKS demanded 15,000 additional jobs under the PM’s employment scheme, one-time compensation of Rs. 35 lacs for overaged community members and traders, enhancement of cash assistance for relief holders from Rs. 108 to Rs. 500 per day per person, and improved welfare measures for Valley-posted migrant employees, including 2BHK accommodation and Central Schooling facilities.
The meeting, attended by distinguished guests including Relief & Rehabilitation Commissioner Dr. Arvind Karwani, Padmashri Dr. K N Pandita, and former Allahabad University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rattan Lal Hangloo, also emphasized the protection and restoration of temples and shrines in Kashmir Valley. The conference concluded with a unanimous resolution calling for the formation of an Apex Committee of Kashmiri Pandits with Ministry of Home Affairs involvement to effectively address both immediate and long-term community concerns.TDD
