Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Addresses Concerns of Kashmiri Pandit Employees in the Valley

Srinagar, September 10 (Daily Kiran) : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of Jammu and Kashmir announced on Thursday that no Kashmiri Pandit employees working in the Valley under the Prime Minister’s package are homeless. His statement came in response to recent protests by these employees, who claimed they lacked safe housing while working in various departments across the region.

The government has established gated housing facilities in different districts of the Valley for these migrant employees. These multi-story buildings are secured by security forces, aimed at providing a safe living environment.

Dismissing the claims of homelessness among Kashmiri Pandit employees, Abdullah stated, “Which Kashmiri Pandit is without a home? None of them are homeless. Wherever transit accommodations have been set up, they have been provided homes. Protesting without reason has become a trend. If anyone needs housing, they should let us know. Others have already been accommodated.”

The issue arises as many of these employees have families residing in Jammu and other areas, while they are required to stay in the Valley. Abdullah noted that most Kashmiri Pandit employees are seeking postings outside the Valley for various reasons.

Concerns about safety have been paramount for these employees, who face targeted threats and protests demanding transfers to Jammu. Reports indicate that they have received threats from terrorist groups, including “The Resistance Front” (TRF) and the “United Liberation Council” (ULC).

These organizations allegedly released a “hit list” containing the names of specific Kashmiri Pandit government employees and teachers appointed under the Prime Minister’s rehabilitation package. Recent threatening letters have included personal information such as names, home addresses, phone numbers, and vehicle registration details, heightening fears among the employees.

In response to the ongoing security concerns, these employees have engaged in prolonged protests and have approached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) to challenge the ban on transfers. They are demanding transfers to Jammu until the security situation in the Valley improves.