In Jammu, displaced Kashmiri Pandits staged a protest against the administration’s move to merge their relief ration system under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), alleging it dilutes their identity as displaced persons.
According to Beyond Time News, the protest turned tense after clashes broke out between demonstrators and police near the Relief Commissioner’s office.
Protest Over Identity Concerns
Hundreds of migrants from camps in Jagti, Purkhoo, Nagrota, and Muthi gathered outside the office, raising slogans against the decision.
Community groups, including Panun Kashmir and the United Alliance of Kashmiri Displaced Community, backed the protest, calling the policy an attempt to erase their separate identity.
Police Block March, Situation Turns Tense
Police stopped the protesters from advancing towards the Relief Commissioner’s office, leading to brief scuffles. Security forces later dispersed the crowd, after which demonstrators held a sit-in.
Leaders Reject NFSA Move
Community leaders said integrating relief ration cards under NFSA weakens their distinct status as displaced persons.
They demanded official recognition in the upcoming census and warned that failure to do so would amount to “identity erasure.”
Demand for Rehabilitation, Warning of Escalation
Protesters said the focus should remain on permanent rehabilitation in Kashmir instead of altering the existing relief framework.
They warned of a wider agitation if the decision is not reversed, while authorities have already begun integrating thousands of migrant ration cards under the NFSA system.
