CPI(M) Expresses Concern Over The Plight of Border Inhabitants
A DELEGATION of CPI(M) regional committee, Jammu led by its regional secretary, Sham Prasad Kesar visited various villages located near zero line like Palanwala, Khoud, Gigdyal etc on October 13, to take stock of the problems of the border inhabitants who stand adversely affected due to firing from across the Line of Control and International Border as a result of which people have migrated from the area and are living with their relatives. Only few people are still residing in these villages (comprising of at least a person from each family) to look after their ripe standing crops and livestock.
These villagers complained that no concrete and substantial relief has been provided either by the central government or the state government. They pleaded that despite being repeatedly affected due to frequent firing on borders decades together, only hollow assurances regarding compensation and other relief benefits are made, thus making the life of border inhabitants vulnerable and exposed to innumerable hardships. They further stated that their standing crops including paddy are likely to be damaged as the ripe crops can neither be harvested nor can be new crops sown due to firing.
Besides, the education of the border students has also been badly hit. They complained that whenever they are told to vacate their homes, no proper transportation, accommodation and food is provided to the hapless people. Livestock has to be left behind resulting into losses due to starvation and thirst.
They demanded:-
1. Flats at secured locations on the pattern given for Kashmiri migrants.
2. Adequate compensation for the damages of property including residential houses, livestock and crops.
3. Construction of foolproof bunkers on the basis of populations in each village preferably like those constructed in
4. The border residents be allowed to visit their agriculture land at least for six hours instead of two hours presently so that they are able to work on the land adequately.
The CPI(M) delegation included Kishor Kumar, Suresh Chowadry and Master Barita Ram. The senior leaders assured the residents that the Party will take up these issues with the state/union government for early redressal.
