Kashmiri pandits for Jammu-Delhi padyatra

Kashmiri pandits will undertake a "padyatra" from Jammu to New Delhi [ Images ] to press for the redressal of their demands for permanent rehabilitation, employment and economic benefits.

"We have decided to undertake a padyatra (journey-on-foot) from Muthi migrant camp to Parliament House in New Delhi to protest the failure of the state and central governments to grant the long-pending demands of permanent rehabilitation of Kashmiri pandits," R K Bhat, president of All India [ Images ] Kashmiri Samaj Youth wing, which is undertaking the yatra, told reporters today.

The 'padyatra' would commence on September 12, he said.

The leaders of the padyatra would submit a memorandum to President A P J Kalam, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi [ Images ] and leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Lal Kishenchand Advani [ Images ], he said.

The demands include an employment package and reservation of jobs for displaced Kashmiri pandit youth,
interest free loans upto Rs 10 lakh, grant of 100 per cent ex-gratia for burnt houses and property, and permanent rehabilitation of displaced pandits, he said.