Steps being taken for Kashmiri migrant's return

Jammu, Mar 9 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Transport Minister Mangat Ram Sharma today said the government is pursuing the return of Kashmiri migrants and is creating a conducive atmosphere in this regard.

Mr Sharma disclosed this while replying on behalf of Revenue Minister to a joint question by MLAs G N Shaheen, Ghulam Nabi Lone and Bilal Ahmad Lodhi in the Legislative Council.

He said for the safe and dignified return of the migrants in the the Valley, the state government has initiated various confidence building measures and for this purpose willing migrants would be accommodated in Sheikhpora, Budgam, Kher Bhawani Tulmulla in Srinagar district and Harnag in Anantnag district.

For this purpose, around 200 two room set dwelling units are being constructed at all the already mentioned places, out of which 72 sets are complete and work at the remaining sets is in progress, he added.

Mr Sharma said 18 sets in three blocks at Harnag are complete.

Shrines are being renovated and upgraded at different places. The government has already enacted a law to safeguard the migrant property and to prevent its misuse and distress sale through legislation.

The question of selling migrant properties by the government does not arise, he said .However, in some cases migrant properties have been acquired for public purposes only under land acquisition act by state government.

Responding to the supplementaries, the Minister said cash assistance of about Rs 140.26 crore and free ration worth Rs 22.11 crore has been distributed among the Kashmir migrants during 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06.

He said around 21,684 Kashmiri migrant families are living outside the state and relief is being disbursing to registered migrant families at fixed scales depending upon the state's budget and the local requirements.

UNI RKS PA HT2052