Kashmiri migrant groups seek seats-in-exile

NEW DELHI: Welcoming the elections in Jammu and Kashmir, many Kashmiri migrant groups have suggested the idea of constituencies-in-exile for the 4.5 lakh migrants all over India.
Though the Constitution does not provide for it, the groups say it can be amended to create these seats which would give them a genuine representation in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly.
"Though the displaced people have been allowed to vote in Jammu, Udhampur and Delhi, it does not make any sense as the candidates do not represent our interests. There are a large number of migrants in south India, Maharashtra and Punjab. The Election Commission should create five or six constituencies on the basis of their population in a particular area," says Kashmiri Migrant Welfare Association secretary Ashok Manvati.
Criticising chief election commissioner B B Lyngdoh for refusing to meet them regarding the issue, he says, "We welcome the Election Commission’s visit to the Gujarat camps to assess the condition of the Muslim minority, but why doesn’t it also visit the displaced Kashmiris in camps in Jammu and Delhi?
Echoing similar views, Ramesh Manvati of Panun Kashmir says, "The migrants have no trust in any of the parties. We want our own representatives to highlight our plight." Kashmiri groups have reiterated the idea of a "geo- political" reorganisation of the state where "all Kashmiri migrants —Hindus and Muslims —can go back and where Article 370 does not apply."
These groups have welcomed the initiative taken by the Minority Commission which made attempts to create an atmosphere conducive to the return of those who want to go back. The initiative, which has the backing of the Deputy Prime Minister’s office, entails meetings with government and political leaders, the security forces, and local people in the Valley to seek their help. "We had a very good response from the PMO’s Office and the DPMO. Deputy Prime Minister Advani was very enthusiastic about the idea. But with the forthcoming elections, the Minority Commission will have to put the initiative on hold till the end of the poll process. Lots of Kashmiris who had fled leaving big properties behind are eager to go back," say Minority Commission vice-chairman Tarlochan Singh.