Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, MAy, 19
After a brief lull owing to the Parliamentary elections, regular monthly meeting of the SOS International was held here today under the chairmanship of Rajiv Chuni, chief of the prominent organization of the PoK Displaced Persons.
During the meeting, which was attended by a large number of PoK Displaced Persons from different parts of Jammu city, a threadbare discussion was held on the issues confronting the community as well as long pending demands for permanent settlement of the PoK DPs.
While addressing the gathering, Rajiv Chuni drew attention towards the latest developments, particularly the ongoing Lok Sabha elections and insensitive attitude of the major political parties, including BJP and Congress, towards the plights of PoK DPs.
The SOS International Chairman justified the decision taken by the community to field own candidate in the elections notwithstanding the financial and other constraints. “Whatever may be outcome of the results or number of votes polled in our support, the PoK DPs have established that the community will no more rely on these political parties, which have always ditched us,” he said.
Stressing that like dharna and protest demonstrations, contesting elections was now a part of the struggle of PoK DPs to highlight their issues vociferously, Rajiv Chuni exhorted the community to be united and ready for the next Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, whatever time they are held.
“We have to remain united and emerge as a vote bank for forcing these political parties to listen to our voice, which has remained unheard in the deaf ears of those at the helm of affairs since decades. Enough is enough and we will no more rely on these parties but take direct course by fielding own candidates in Assembly elections,” he announced.
Reiterating that had these political parties taken care of the issues of PoK DPs, the community would have not been in despair even after decades since their forced migration from their homes and hearths, Rajiv Chuni lashed out at BJP as well as Congress for turning a Nelson’s eye towards the grievances and plights of the displaced community.
However, at the same time, the SOS International also criticized the community people for remaining glued to the political parties during elections and then lamenting for five years for non-redressal of their plights. “We will have to come out of this political slavery of these parties and establish our own strength, which is not possible till the PoK DPs have own candidates in the elections,” he stressed.
Others, who spoke on the occasion, included Prof. N. N. Sharma, V. K. Datta, Pramod Ghai, Tilak Raj Sethi, Bhai Ram Singh & Hans Raj.
