Cong stands firmly with Kashmiri migrants, flays NFSA integration move : Bhalla
09/05/2026
Jammu, May 08 (KIP)- Working President of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) and former minister Raman Bhalla on Friday assured displaced Kashmiri migrants that the Congress party would continue to stand firmly with the community and fight for their just and genuine demands.
Interacting with a delegation of Kashmiri migrants who called on him, Mr Bhalla strongly opposed the government’s reported decision to merge the relief ration benefits of displaced migrants with the provisions of the National Food Security Act (NFSA). He termed the move “unjustified” and warned that such a decision could weaken and dilute the distinct identity and status of the displaced migrant community, which has suffered immense hardships over the past several decades.
The delegation of Kashmiri migrants comprised Hira Lal Pandita, Rajeev Kaoul Saraf, Chuni Lal Raina (Kandi) General Secretary Migrant Cell,, Raj Kumar Dhar- Secretary, R.L Bhat, Anil Jee, Shubam Jee Raina, Virender Ganjoo- General Secretary, Sameer Raina, Dalip Kumar Pandita, Kuldeep Kumar Raina,Vinod Kumar Raina, Vinod Fotedar, Kiran Raina- General Secretary, Vinod Bhat, Rakesh Amberdar, Ravi Ji and others.
The delegation headed by Mr. Hira Lal Pandita, Chairman Migrant Cell of JKPCC, said that the Displaced Kashmiri Pandits were provided with ration cards in 1990 that are "temporary" in nature. These cards recognize their status as a conflict-displaced community, distinct from ordinary economic beneficiaries.
The Govt's action of forcibly enrolling these ration cards into NFSA structure is a ploy to somehow relieve the pressure on the Govt. regarding the absence of any practical plans on their long pending permanent rehabilitation back within Kashmir.
Every such ration card holder has only one specific category - a category of displaced survivor. By classifying them into priority & non - priority, etc, categories, a fraud is being committed against them.
Attaching welfare schemes' is only a tool-kit to somehow get these people to accept the new enrollment under NFSA. Not extending these schemes openly thus far is only another awkward point for BJP led Govt.
Former minister Yogesh Sawhney, Ved Mahajan, Iqbal Dar, Gurdarshan Singh, Virender Manhas, and other senior leaders also interacted with the delegation and assured full support to the displaced community.
Expressing concern over the issue, Mr Bhalla said that the migrant community had already endured years of pain, displacement, and uncertainty, and any move that undermines their special relief structure would only add to their grievances.
He maintained that the relief and rehabilitation measures extended to Kashmiri migrants were not ordinary welfare schemes, but humanitarian support provided in recognition of the extraordinary circumstances that forced thousands of families to leave their homes in the Kashmir Valley.
Mr Bhalla regretted that the BJP has brazenly misused the humanitarian issue of Kashmiri Pandit migrants for petty political gains.
“Except for exploiting their situation for getting political mileage across the country, the BJP has done mothering for this displaced community”, he regretted.
Assuring full support to the agitating migrants, the senior Congress leader said that history bears testimony to the fact that the Congress party has consistently stood by the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community in difficult times. He said successive Congress-led governments at the Centre took several landmark initiatives aimed at ensuring the dignified rehabilitation, welfare, and safe return of the displaced families.
Recalling the initiatives taken during the Congress regime, Mr Bhalla said that one of the most significant steps was the announcement of the Prime Minister’s Employment Package for Kashmiri migrants. The package, he noted, was introduced to provide employment opportunities to migrant youth and create conditions for their gradual and dignified return to the Valley.
He further stated that the Congress government had also taken concrete measures for the establishment of settlement and transit colonies for displaced Kashmiri Pandits in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to him, these initiatives reflected the party’s commitment towards addressing the long-pending issues of the migrant community and restoring their sense of security and belonging.
Mr Bhalla also recalled that on April 25, 2008, the then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had announced a comprehensive rehabilitation package worth ₹1,600 crore for displaced Kashmiri Pandit migrants.
He described the package as a historic and humanitarian initiative aimed at facilitating the return and rehabilitation of migrant families with dignity and safety.
Highlighting the key features of the package, Mr Bhalla said that it included provisions for 6000 state government jobs for unemployed migrant youth. The initiative was designed to provide economic stability and encourage educated youth from displaced families to reconnect with their roots in the Valley.
He added that the package also provided financial assistance for the construction of houses, restoration of orchards, and revival of agricultural holdings abandoned by migrant families after their displacement. Such measures, he said, were intended to help families rebuild their lives and regain economic independence.
The Congress leader further pointed out that the rehabilitation package initiated the construction of transit accommodation in the Kashmir Valley for migrant employees who returned to serve in government jobs. These transit accommodations were developed to ensure secure and temporary housing facilities for returning employees and their families.
Mr. Bhalla said the Congress-led government had also continued monthly relief assistance for more than 23000 displaced families living in Jammu and Delhi to support them during difficult times. In addition, a financial incentive of ₹7.5 lakh was introduced for families willing to return and rebuild their homes in the Valley. Assistance was also provided for the renovation and repair of damaged residential properties.
Describing the rehabilitation package as part of a broader long-term vision, Mr Bhalla said the objective was not merely financial support but the restoration of confidence, dignity, and security among the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community.
He reiterated that the Congress party remains committed to safeguarding the rights and interests of Kashmiri migrants and would continue to raise their concerns at every appropriate platform.
He urged the government to reconsider any move that could adversely affect the special status and relief structure of displaced migrants, emphasizing that sensitive humanitarian issues should be handled with compassion and responsibility rather than through administrative decisions alone.
Jatin Vashisht, Sohit Sharma, Rakesh Sharma, Michael Wazir, Raj Kumar Sodhi, and others were also present on the occasion.