LG visits Kashmiri Pandits’ camp in J-K’s Budgam

Srinagar, May 23 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday visited the Sheikhpora migrant camp where Kashmiri Pandit employees have been protesting for over a week after the killing of Rahul Bhat, and assured them that their problems will be addressed honestly, officials said.

Sinha reached Sheikhpora in central Kashmir’s Budgam district in the evening and interacted with the protesting employees and listened to their demands, they said.

Bhat (35), who had got the job of a clerk under the special employment package for migrants in 2010-11, was shot dead by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists at his office in the Chadoora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district on May 12.

Top police and civil administration officials were present during the LG’s interaction.

After paying homage to Bhat and listening to the protesting employees, Sinha said while it is true that he visited the camp late, he used to get information about the difficulties faced by the employees.

“It was said that I came late here, which is true. I wanted to come that day only (after Bhat’s killing). That morning, I met Bhat’s sister and his brother-in-law. First, I was told that a delegation was coming to meet me, but then I was told that you wanted me to come here,” he said.

Sinha said the protesting employees know the situation in Jammu and Kashmir better than him.

“I have come from outside. You know it and there is no need to tell you under which scheme you have been employed,” he said, adding that there is a need to see the intention of the current administration.

“The present administration, not only in Bhat’s case but if any person is killed, honestly tries to get to the root of the case. There is no other agenda. While there can be no compensation for anyone’s death, the government has its own process,” he said.

Referring to the demand for providing a government job to Bhat’s wife, the LG said her qualifications will be checked and whatever is feasible will be provided.

“As far as compensation is concerned, there is a standing order from the Union Home Ministry that Rs 5 lakh be given to anyone from J-K who is killed in a militancy related incident. This is not that compensation. I had said it earlier that the responsibility of the education of his daughter will be borne by the administration,” he said.

Sinha told the protesting employees that the pain he felt over Bhat’s killing was no less than what they felt.

There is nothing more unfortunate for the head of an administration than the killing of a government employee, he added.

Sinha expressed hope that the employees “will soon feel that many things have been done”.

“We will keep in touch with you. Whenever you want, we can come, and you can come to meet me as well and we will move forward the process of talks. I want to assure you that the talks will continue until you feel that something concrete has been done. I will honestly try that there is a redressal of your issues and that you live with your families at ease,” he said.

“This administration is committed to the welfare of its employees. There is a need to see our intention. There is no need to have any ill-feelings… I want to assure you that your problems will be addressed honestly and judiciously,” Sinha said.