Jammu, October 10, (Scoop News)- BJP State President & MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, on behalf of the State Unit of the party, has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister Narendra Bhai Modi with copies sent to Union Home Minister and Defence Minister.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, in the said memorandum, has expressed grave concern over the unprovoked shelling across the International Border by Pakistan and the loss of lives, injuries, death of life stock and forced migration of the people. It has sought an immediate action by the Prime Minister on few proposals, which include enhancement of ex-gratia payment, construction of safe shelter camps, incentive for border area residents, comprehensive insurance scheme, special recruitment drive for border youth etc.
The memorandum reads as that the recent unprovoked shelling across the international border (IB) targeting innocent civilians has once again exposed Pakistan’s evil design and its reluctance to have peaceful relations with us. Pakistan has not only repeatedly violated the cease fire agreement between the two nations but has displayed utter disregard for a civilised behaviour by specifically targeting inhabited areas well in the depth. Despite all odds the residents of the affected border villages have displayed valour and exemplary courage in facing the onslaught launched by the Pak Rangers. The tragic loss of lives, injuries leading to loss of limbs, death of live stock and the trauma of leaving their houses not only deserves immediate sympathy but a long term solution to mitigate their sufferings. The rank and file of Bharatiya Janata Party is standing solidly with the affected people in this hour of need. We would like to submit a few proposals for your kind consideration and early action.
Ex-Gratia Payment.The present rate of ex-gratia payment of Rs. 1 lakh per deceased person is too meagre and needs to be enhanced. It is recommended that it should be brought at par with victims of terror violence, i.e, Rs. 5 lakh per deceased.
Safe Shelter Camps.Apart from constructing bunkers at the place of residence, there is a need to construct “Safe Shelter Camps” at a reasonably safe distance (6-7 km) in the rear. The camps must be made in clusters for different sectors and should comprise of two-room pre fab shelters with a bathroom and kitchen. Open space close to the camps must be earmarked for the cattle. The state government should be asked to provide land and the shelters must be constructed under BADP by Central Government.
Incentive to Border Area Residents.The J&K government provides a number of incentives to the residents of areas close to Line of Control (LC). These include reservation in government jobs, police recruitment and admission in professional colleges. However, the residents of border (IB) areas are denied these benefits. The living conditions on the IB and LC are equally tough and there is no justification in this discrimination. The border residents of Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts should be provided all the incentives and benefits given to the residents of LC.
Comprehensive Insurance Scheme.The residents of the border areas are mostly displaced personnel from Chhamb who have been settled in these villages in 1947, 65 and 71. Soldiering and farming are their main occupation. However, due to frequent firing and shelling either their crop gets damaged or they are unable to sow/harvest in time. To mitigate their sufferings a comprehensive insurance scheme for border residents needs to be launched. It should cover loss of life, limb, live-stock, shelter and crop due to enemy action or own mine fields/restrictions laid by security forces.
Special Recruitment Drive.To engage the unemployed youth who otherwise is physically tough and fully nationalist it is proposed that special recruitment camps for border residents be held minimum twice a year. The terms of recruitment for the entire state of J&K needs to be brought at par. Presently, these differ for residents of border areas and rest of the state to their disadvantage.
We sincerely hope and pray that an immediate action on the above mentioned proposals could provide some succour to the valiant residents of the border areas.
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