Shiv Sena Hindustan raises issues of displaced families at Purkhoo Camp

• Kesri urges Govt to extend free power, water and BPL ration benefits to flood-affected residents

JAMMU: Shiv Sena Hindustan convened a meeting of displaced families at Purkhoo Camp under the chairmanship of its J&K President Rajesh Kesri to discuss the pressing issues faced by residents who lost their homes and belongings during the floods of the Tawi River. The meeting witnessed participation from a large number of camp residents who shared their concerns regarding basic amenities and livelihood challenges.

During the interaction, many families recalled that the then Jammu and Kashmir National Conference government had provided emergency shelter to the flood victims, helping them survive the difficult phase after the disaster.

Addressing the gathering, Rajesh Kesri expressed gratitude to the administration of that time for extending immediate support to the displaced families. At the same time, he urged the present government to continue providing assistance until the affected families become self-reliant. He emphasized the urgent need for extending free electricity and water facilities to the camp residents and ensuring that they receive the full benefit of the government’s 200-unit free electricity scheme, which could bring significant relief to economically struggling households.

Kesri pointed out that a majority of the families living in the camp belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category and depend on daily wage work to sustain their livelihoods. He stressed that apart from temporary shelter, these families require sustained institutional support in the form of BPL ration cards, which would enable them to obtain subsidised food grains and basic necessities. He appealed to the authorities to issue an official order waiving electricity billing for camp households, covering water charges and expediting the process of BPL verification so that no deserving family is deprived of rations during the challenging summer months.

He further informed that party volunteers would soon submit a signed memorandum to the concerned departments, highlighting pending issues related to identity documentation and Aadhaar updates for several residents of the camp. Kesri assured the displaced families that the organisation would stand firmly with them and continue to pursue their genuine demands with the administration until concrete relief measures are implemented.

Among those present at the meeting were Sanjeev Sharma, Border Cell Head; Raj Kumar, Secretary; and Raj Kumar, Purkhoo Camp Head. A large number of residents including Shamlal, Rajesh Kumar, Nannu, Sourav Sharma, Tarsem Lal, Melaram, Anu Devi, Seema Devi, Mohini Sharma and Darshana Devi were also present along with hundreds of displaced persons.

The party resolved to closely monitor the progress of applications on a weekly basis and assured the residents that party representatives would accompany them to the concerned government offices to ensure that their grievances are addressed at the earliest.