Kashmiri Pandits seek modification in service rules amid spate in attacks

AS PER THE RULES, KASHMIRI PANDITS WHO WERE GIVEN JOBS UNDER THE PM PACKAGE ARE REQUIRED TO STAY IN THE VALLEY

NEW DELHI: A group of Kashmiri Pandit employees, who were given jobs under the Prime Minister’s employment package, have demanded relocation of those unwilling to stay in the Valley amid a spurt in terrorist attacks on the minority community. As per rules of engagement, Pandits who were given jobs under the 2008 PM job package (to facilitate return of Pandits) are required to stay in the Valley. In a memorandum to Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday, the group said transferring the Kashmiri Pandit government employees would “stop further bloodshed and targeted killings” of the minority community.

The group handed over the memorandum to Sinha when the latter was visiting Sheikhpora migrant camp in Budgam district to meet Kashmiri Pandit employees who have been protesting the killing of Rahul Bhat, a Kashmiri Pandit inside a government office in Budgam’s Chaand doora on May 12. Following the incident, around 350 Kashmiri Pandit employees had threatened to resign from their jobs.

“We informed the government that we have been working in the Valley in extremely vulnerable conditions. There is fear among employees that they are easy targets for terrorists and the only way to prevent bloodshed is to offer them jobs in any part of the country other than the Valley,” one of the employees said, seeking anonymity. Taking note of the memorandum, a government official said,“the provisions of the scheme do not allow the employees to be shifted out of the Valley. But the government is taking all steps to ensure their safety and security.”