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J&K govt follows NHRC advice on Pandits

The Jammu and Kashmir government has prepared a list of properties left behind by migrant Pandits, as per a National Human Rights Commission recommendation.

The NHRC wants the list to make sure that the property rights of every migrant Pandit is protected.

Sources said state Advocate-General M A Goni conveyed this to a three-member bench, headed by NHRC Chairman Justice M N Venkatachaliah, which is hearing a complaint filed by the Kashmiri Samiti, Delhi, the Doda Vichar Manch and other organisations.

Accepting the complainants' suggestion, the advocate-general said he would ensure that the district/tehsil-wise list of properties would be made available for public inspection both at the office of the relief commissioner, Jammu, and NHRC's resident commissioner.

Meanwhile, Pyare Lal Kaul, advocate of the International Human Rights Protection Council, Jammu and All India Kashmiri Samaj, New Delhi, complained about the non-payment of pension and other benefits to retired migrants. The advocate-general assured that all such claims would be processed soon, sources said.

Sources said the Commission asked for a meeting with the J&K chief secretary and advocate-general.

The complainants, who alleged killings and gross human rights violation in the state, have asked the NHRC to take appropriate action against the culprits, direct the government to pay handsome compensation to the victims' families, and protect the remaining Hindu inhabitants there.

The government should also provide sustenance to those who have migrated from the state as a result of the brutal killings, the complaint said.

UNI

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