AJKPC delegation meets Rajnath Singh, submits memo for compensation of land

• Anil Sharma seeks restoration of job preference for local youth, settlement of land issues

NEW DELHI: A delegation of the All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC), led by its president Anil Sharma, met the Defence Minister Sh. Rajnath Singh in New Delhi today and submitted a memorandum, seeking his personal intervention to resolve the longstanding issues of villagers who donated their ancestral land decades ago for near defence establishments in Jindrah and Nagrota areas of Jammu district.

During the meeting that lasted for nearly half-an-hour, Sharma said the local populace had selflessly parted with their agricultural land for the establishment of defence facilities such as FAD 15 at Jindrah and 4 ASD at Ban Nagrota, with the assurance that local youth would be given preference in employment in the Indian Army, MES, FAD and related services.

“Initially, the practice of recruiting local youth was followed, and several young men were inducted into the Army and related defence services. However, for the past 15 to 18 years, this has been discontinued without any formal communication,” Sharma informed the Defence Minister.

He said that despite the villagers' unwavering support and pride in contributing to national security, their expectations for employment and recognition have remained unfulfilled. “Many educated and deserving youth residing within a 20 to 25 km radius of these ammunition depots in Jindrah and Nagrota are willing to serve with dedication. We request that the earlier practice of offering them preference in recruitment be revived,” he said.

The AJKPC leader also raised concerns over the meagre and irregular rent being paid to the landowners for the land acquired for defence purposes and requested the Defence Ministry to consider a one-time compensation or settlement for the families, citing the emotional and economic value attached to the ancestral land. The AJKPC delegation also lauded the Indian Army’s Operation Sindoor, saying that it has further deepened the bond between civilians and the armed forces. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have always stood with the Army and take great pride in the sacrifices made by our soldiers,” he said in the memorandum.

The AJKPC leader also expressed full faith in the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and hoped the Ministry would act with compassion to redress the grievances of the local population that has historically supported the Army’s presence in the region.

Rakesh Sharma, AJKPC Secretary said local youth of Nagrota constituency were concerned over lack of preference in job opportunities in Indian army, MES and FAD despite the fact that their families have donated their precious ancestral lands for army establishments. “Our AJKPC president has taken up the matter with the defence minister and we are hopeful of early resolution to all pending issues,” he said. Others who joined AJKPC leaders during the meeting included Dr Naveen Mavi and Dr   Alok Mishra.