West Pakistani refugees seek domicile in Jammu and Kashmir

NEW DELHI: West Pakistani refugees on Friday urged the Centre to grant them domicile right in Jammu and Kashmir, and sought a special package for rehabilitation in the state besides a host of other benefits.

The demands were placed by a delegation of West Pakistani Refugees during their meeting with home minister Rajnath Singh here. The charter of demands included citizenship right in Jammu and Kashmir, special package for rehabilitation in the state, right to vote and contest state Assembly elections, among others.

Allotment of land, special recruitment, right to education in technical/professional institutions, issuance of SC/OBC certificates are the other key demands of the team, an official release said. The delegation also sought the appointment of a Relief Commissioner for West Pakistani Refugees to look into and redress their grievances.

While appreciating the sentiments of the members of the delegation, the home minister assured them that he will look into the matter and take necessary action. Singh said MHA has appointed a nodal officer to exclusively coordinate with the refugee community for redressal of their day to day issues.