(a) whether there has been any exodus of Non-Kashmiri workmen from J&K recently;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
(a) whether there has been any exodus of Non-Kashmiri workmen from J&K recently;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)
(a) to (c): As per reports received from the State Government, in the wake of an incident
of alleged rape and subsequent murder of a young Kashmiri girl at Langate, Handwara, on July
20, 2007 in which 4 persons, including 2 from outside the State of Jammu and Kashmir were
accused/arrested, threats and calls were given by certain secessionist groups asking Non-State
subjects (mainly workers from outside the State) to leave the State. As a result, movement
of a sizeable number of non-local workers and labourers from the Valley was observed.
The Government has issued an advisory to the State Government and conjointly monitored
the emerging security scenario. The State Government took immediate steps, including
statements and appeals by the Chief Minister and a number of other functionaries of various
parties and organizations, to instill confidence among the Non-State subjects. Under pressure
from various sources, the secessionist groups also made statements retracting the threats.
The steps taken by the State Government included, strengthening of security
arrangements and operations in areas inhabited by labourers and workers from outside,
constitution of Joint Committees comprising the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of
Police and Assistant Labour Commissioner in each District to look into various aspects of
the issue including a survey of such workers, meetings with respectable persons of the areas
with the aim of generating public opinion against any such movement and creating a feeling
of security amongst Non-State workers.
As a result of the various measures taken, outward movement/exodus of Non-State
subjects has substantially receded and, according to available information, a number of
persons who may have left the Valley have also returned.