JAMMU, Mar 21: A high‑level delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan on Saturday and pressed for the early restoration of statehood, raised concerns over the ongoing LPG crisis, and highlighted several other pressing issues in the Union Territory. The meeting was led by Jammu and Kashmir Congress working president Raman Bhalla and included senior party leaders and office‑bearers.
During the discussions, the delegation listed a broad range of public grievances, placing special emphasis on the restoration of full statehood, the acute shortage of LPG cylinders, and the long‑standing demand of 1947, 1965 and 1971 refugees for a comprehensive rehabilitation package. Bhalla told reporters that the party also reiterated the demand for granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to refugees from Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The Congress leaders reminded the LG of the Rs 30‑lakh‑per‑family comprehensive rehabilitation package for refugees, initially recommended by the then Congress–NC government in 2014 on the directions of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. They pointed out that only Rs 5.5 lakh per family was eventually sanctioned and that even this reduced amount has not been disbursed to all eligible families, leaving many still in limbo.
The delegation urged the Union Territory administration to ensure full implementation of the original package, including deferred benefits and additional support, and to accord ST status to the refugees to secure their access to constitutional safeguards and welfare schemes. They also sought an additional LPG quota for Jammu and Kashmir, citing the year‑round influx of tourists and pilgrims, which has further strained fuel supply.
Expressing anxiety over rising crime and drug abuse in Jammu, the Congress leaders demanded enhanced recruitment and deployment of security personnel, stricter monitoring of sensitive areas, and stricter penal measures against drug peddlers. They also pressed for relief and rehabilitation of flood‑affected families, greater budgetary allocation to the urban development department, and stronger welfare measures for the Kashmiri migrant community.
The party leaders further highlighted the prolonged demand of daily‑wagers, temporary and contractual employees in various government departments for regularisation. They called for the announcement of a special package and dedicated funds to address their long‑pending grievances and stabilise their livelihoods. The LG reiterated that the administration is seized of these issues and would examine the representations in consultation with relevant departments.
