Author: Rakesh Rocky
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: January 29, 2006
URL: http://www.indianexpress.com/archive_full_story.php?content_id=86803&spf=true
Introduction: After a decade-old struggle,
migrants from Doda and Poonch are to get the same relief as Kashmiri migrants.
But the High Court order is yet to be implemented
There is little in this uninspiring crowded
patch of makeshift tents that can remind 72-year-old Hazra Begum of her home
in Tank Targam village in Doda district. A home she left 10 years ago when
militants killed her husband.
But there is a need to remember. So, she has
tilled a small neighbouring field, growing wheat and tending to an old buffalo.
''This small field is not for livelihood but to keep alive old memories,''
says Hazra Begum, a Gujjar.
Hazra is not the only one trying to keep her
past and present intact. About 288 families from militant-hit Jammu districts
in this refugee camp on the banks of river Tawi are together in their ordeal.
Militancy pushed them out from Doda, Poonch and Rajouri districts. And the
establishment has pushed them further into the depths of despair.
They have become migrants but have been denied
the compensations due to migrants. There is no medicare or school in this
camp. Many of the camp residents don't even have migrant status that guarantees
them full government relief. What they do get is 9 kg rice, 2 kg flour and
1 kg sugar per head/per month.
''The government didn't provide us tents.
But not only have they provided cash relief to the Kashmiri migrants but have
also have constructed rooms for them,'' alleges Koushal Sharma, chairman of
the migrants committee.
Though it's far from over, the Jammu migrants'
struggle for relief at par with Kashmiri migrants is finally anticipating
success. On November 28, 2005, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court directed the
state government to treat the Doda/Poonch migrants at par with Kashmiri migrants.
But the order is yet to be implemented.
''If the court orders are implemented many
families will get cash relief which they don't get now,'' says Rajinder Singh
Chauhan, leader of the Doda Migrant Welfare Committee.
But says Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, B
R Sharma: ''As for the court orders to provide them relief at par with the
Kashmiri migrants, we have not yet received any instructions from the government.''
The relief issue has been a long-drawn one.
''On November 25, 2002, the Supreme Court had also issued instructions in
this regard. However, the state government had gone to the SC against this
order,'' says Jammu and Kashmir Panthers Party chief Bhim Singh, who had filed
a petition in the court over this issue.
''The relief which is given to these migrants
by the government comes from the Centre. It is the responsibility of the government
to follow the instructions of the court,'' says Singh.
''We have become old and will die soon. But
the future of our children is dark,'' said Dina Nath of Sunar.
The court decision may soon bring some light
into their dismal camps.
