JAMMU: S.O.S. International Chairman Rajiv Chuni has issued a resounding call to champion the legitimate rights of Pakistan Occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) Displaced Persons. Chuni urged the BJP-led Central government to address the genuine demands of the displaced population before the upcoming Lok Sabha election, warning that they must heed these concerns, or else face the wrath of hundreds of thousands of PoJK DP voters.
He criticized all political parties for their historical failure to address the issues faced by PoJK Displaced Persons, accusing them of using the community solely as a voting bloc during elections. Chuni called for unified action to secure the fulfillment of legitimate demands, emphasizing the voting power of the PoJK displaced persons and the importance of making informed decisions during elections.
Chuni noted that disunity among PoJK DPs has contributed to their marginalization and the exploitation of their concerns by opportunistic politicians. He stressed the importance of unity in their struggle for dignified living conditions and the realization of their legitimate rights.
The Chairman of S.O.S. International made a passionate plea for a united and determined effort in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha election scheduled for April-May next year. He proposed a collective decision to either boycott the elections or support a specific political party to ensure that the voice of PoJK DPs is heard at the highest levels.
Furthermore, Chuni criticized the Lok Sabha members representing Jammu-Poonch and Udhampur-Doda for making substantial promises to PoJK DPs before the 2014 and 2019 elections, only to remain silent on their issues once elected. He highlighted the incompetence of the Divisional Commissioner, who has been appointed as a nodal officer for addressing the grievances of displaced people, for failing to respond to their concerns.
Chuni underlined five key demands of the PoJK displaced community, including a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for all PoJK displaced families, a notification for reservation in professional technical institutes for PoJK youth, a job package for educated unemployed youth among the displaced, reservation of eight seats in the J&K legislative assembly for PoJK refugees, and the granting of Pahari status to all PoJK displaced community members. Chuni asserted that their support in the Lok Sabha election would depend on the Centre’s willingness to fulfill these demands.
He urged all PoJK DP members not to be deceived by false political promises and insisted that politicians must fulfill their commitments before seeking votes. Chuni expressed a strong emotional connection with the displaced people in Nowshera, emphasizing that S.O.S. International has been dedicated to their cause for an extended period, despite not having the opportunity to meet them due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
