In a significant development following their recent grant of citizenship after seven decades, the West Pakistani Refugees (WPR) Association has underscored the need for expedited compensation and redressal of remaining grievances during a meeting with Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in New Delhi.
The association, representing those who migrated from West Pakistan to Jammu and Kashmir during the partition in 1947, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for finally recognizing their rights. They recalled decades of neglect and deprivation under previous administrations, emphasizing their struggle for citizenship and voting rights.
During the meeting, the refugees highlighted the challenges they continue to face, including delays in compensation for lost properties and other hardships endured over the years. They stressed the importance of timely redressal of these grievances to ensure complete integration into Indian society and to facilitate their contribution to the nation’s progress.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, who holds multiple portfolios including Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, assured the association of swift action and a time-bound approach to resolving their issues. He acknowledged their patience and resilience, promising comprehensive support from the government to address their concerns effectively.
The WPR Association expressed optimism about the future, noting that recent initiatives such as the abrogation of Article 370 have opened new opportunities for their community. They reiterated their commitment to actively participating in India’s democratic processes and contributing positively to the nation’s development.
Looking ahead, the refugees emphasized the significance of the upcoming celebration on August 5th, marking five years since the abrogation of Article 370, as a symbolic moment of their renewed rights and integration into the Indian mainstream.
The meeting concluded on a hopeful note, with both sides reaffirming their dedication to achieving justice and prosperity for the West Pakistani refugees in India.
