Srinagar, Sep 9,: Kashmiri Pandit employees appointed under the Prime Minister’s Package staged a peaceful protest at Press Colony in Srinagar on Wednesday, demanding the early allotment of transit accommodation and a permanent solution to their housing concerns.
The protesting employees said they have been waiting for government accommodation for a prolonged period and are currently dependent on rented housing. They set September 30 as a deadline for the administration to address their demand, warning that they would launch an indefinite protest and hunger strike if the issue remains unresolved.
The demand comes against the backdrop of the government’s earlier programme to construct 6,000 transit accommodation flats for Kashmiri migrant employees in the Valley. At a review meeting in March, the administration said 4,128 flats had been completed and the remaining 1,872 were scheduled for completion in phases, with the final 456 units targeted for September.
The employees have also been raising security concerns in recent weeks. In August, the All PM Package Employees Forum sought a review of security arrangements at workplaces, residential accommodation and transit routes following the circulation of a fresh threat poster containing personal details of some employees.
The latest protest therefore combines the demand for accommodation with the employees’ continuing concerns over security and living arrangements while serving in the Valley.
The protesters have urged the administration to ensure early allotment of completed accommodation and provide a permanent housing solution to employees appointed under the rehabilitation package. [KNT]
