Include Muslim, Pandits in SASB, ANC demands Rs 50 lac for deceased

Srinagar, Sep 2 (UNI) Urging for inclusion of eminent social and religious personalities, both Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims, in the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), the Awami National Conference (ANC) demanded Rs 50 lakh compensation FOR those killed during THE recent land row agitation besides employment to one member of the affected family.

This demand was made by the ANC, headed by former Chief Minister Ghulam Mohammd Shah, in a memorandum to Governor N N Vohra here today.

The memorandum submitted by a five-member delegation of the ANC, led by General Secretary Mir Mohammad Shafi, demanded inclusion of eminent social and religious personalities, Kashmiri pandits and Kashmiri Muslims, especially the members from the Malik family (founders of the holy cave) in the SASB.

The ANC also demanded inclusion of experts from ecological, environmental, forest and tourism sectors in the board.

The memorandum demanded compensation of Rs 50 lakh be paid to the next of kin of those killed during the recent shrine board agitation besides a government job to each affected family member.

It also demanded a compensation to the traders and fruit growers who suffered huge losses in the wake of agitation. It also demanded a time bound action plan and constitution of a special task force to make assessment and disbursement of compensation and making it public.

Foolproof measures should be put in place for avoiding any kind of economic blockade in future, the ANC said and demanded severe punishment for those even attempting it.

It also demanded that the perpetrators of the recent economic blockade be tried under criminal law for murder, arson and loot.

Their identities and party affiliations be made public and exemplary punishment be given so that no repetition takes place ever.

It said that a dialogue process be initiated at the highest level with Pakistan for immediate opening of all trade routes between Kashmir and PoK as existed before 22 October 1947, for trade and unhindered movement of men and material.

The ANC demanded that freedom of press be ensured and the restrictions on print and electronic media be removed.

UNI BAS RR HT1724