Kashmiri Pandit Activists Protest Mandatory NAFSA Forms, Highlight Urgent Community Needs

Jammu, December 27, 2024: A pressing meeting of prominent Kashmiri Pandit social activists took place today at the Muthi camp in Jammu. Convened by senior community leader Sh. M.K. Yogi, the gathering addressed critical challenges faced by the displaced community. Activists from both camps and non-camp areas participated, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention on several fronts.

Central to the discussions was the mandatory requirement to fill out NAFSA forms, a demand that has generated considerable distress among the displaced population. The consensus, as articulated in a statement released by Sh. Yogi, was that these forms are redundant. The Relief Commissioner for Migrants already possesses comprehensive data on all relief holders, making the added administrative burden on the community both unnecessary and unduly stressful for those still living in temporary exile.

Sh. Yogi directly appealed to the Jammu & Kashmir administration for an exemption from this requirement until the community’s permanent resettlement in the Kashmir Valley. He argued that the forms lack relevance to a community living in temporary circumstances, and that the current temporary ration cards adequately address their immediate needs until permanent solutions are implemented. This sentiment was echoed by several other prominent activists including Bharat Kachroo, Ravinder Koul, Ashok Kumar Dhar, Sunil Pandita, Kuleep Kashmiri, Rakesh Kumar Suri, and Mohal Lal Raina, who voiced their strong support for the exemption.

Beyond the NAFSA forms, activist Vinod Pandita highlighted a broader range of critical needs for the community. He emphasized the urgent requirement for the creation and advertisement of 10,000 new jobs for educated Kashmiri Pandit youth in exile, an increase in monthly relief assistance from ₹13,000 to ₹25,000, and the expeditious disbursement of compensation for damaged and destroyed properties. Further, he called for compensation for over-aged educated youth, the full implementation of the Immovable Migrant Property Act, and the swift passage of the Temples and Shrines Bill. Mr. Pandita concluded by expressing gratitude to all participants for their contributions to the important work of advocating for the community’s well-being.

The meeting demonstrated the community’s resolve to actively advocate for its rights and secure a brighter future for its members. The concerns raised highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Kashmiri Pandits in exile and the need for immediate and comprehensive government action.