Shiv Sena crticises J and K govt over Hindu migrants issue

New Delhi, May 19 (UNI) The Shiv Sena today deplored the J&K Government for denying Hindu refugees from Pakistan, settled in the state after partition, citizenship rights and the right to exercise their franchise.

The Shiv Sena Parliamentary Party, in a letter to Home Minister Shivraj Patil, drew his attention to the plight of these five lakh migrants.

The party pointed out that these migrants were initially treated tenants in the land or houses occupied by them. But later this tenancy right was also withdrawn by the state government.

It said while the J&K Government made special provision for the rehabilitation of Muslims who had migrated to Pakistan on their return the state government refused ''to show any consideration for Hindu refugees.'' Pointing out that these migrants had even been denied employment in the state, the party said ''their deprivation is so widespread and horrendous, it is almost impossible to reconcile whether they live in a civilized society which seeks to proclaim the virtue of secular credentials of its state policy.'' UNI KAS PA BD2048