S. Manjit Singh demands easing of complex documentary formalities for DPs

• Seeks installation of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh Ji’s statue in Jammu

SAMBA: The All Jammu and Kashmir Jatt Sabha has demanded that the government put an end to the complex documentary formalities for Displaced Persons (DPs) concerning proprietary rights in the Jammu region. As per a press release, a meeting was organised at village Barian Camp in Samba District under the chairmanship of former minister and President of the All J&K Jatt Sabha, S. Manjit Singh. He was accompanied by Bachan Choudhary, District President, Samba, of the Jatt Sabha.

During the meeting, participants held a threadbare discussion on the issues faced by the Jatt community in Jammu and Kashmir, despite having a large population and contributing significantly to the development of the Union Territory. Addressing the gathering, former minister S. Manjit Singh said that Displaced Persons of 1965 and 1971 should be granted proprietary rights over the land allotted to them or held by them for decades.

“The government has kept the documentary process very complex, which has created difficulties for the displaced persons in completing the formalities. Hence, the government should ease the documentary requirements and acknowledge the documents submitted by the displaced persons,” he said, while referring to their long-standing demand. Expressing concern, he said that the government, defence authorities, or NHAI do not grant compensation to displaced persons even when the land is allotted to them or held by them.

“The compensation, instead of going to the DPs, goes to government departments, violating the rights of displaced persons who have worked on the land for decades, protected it from encroachment, and made barren land cultivable,” he said, urging the government to compensate DPs whose land has been taken over for development purposes or for the construction of fencing along the International Border.

Meanwhile, he also demanded that Jatt youth of J&K be granted OBC benefits in employment in the central government and in educational institutions across the country. He further demanded that the government install a statue of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh Ji in Jammu.