State govt has failed to provide jobs to Kashmiri Pandits: Youth body

In a memorandum to the state's governor, the Youth All India Kashmir Samaj alleged that the govt was 'discouraging' Kashmiri Pandit youths

An organisation working for Kashmiri Pandits today accused the Jammu and Kashmir government of failing to provide jobs to 221 youths under the prime minister's rehabilitation package for the community.

In a memorandum to Governor N N Vohra, the Youth All India Kashmir Samaj (YAIKS) alleged that the government was "discouraging" Kashmiri Pandit youths who were ready to serve in the Valley.

"You are requested to direct the authorities concerned to implement the high court order for appointment of 221 youths who are ready to serve in Kashmir Valley under the Prime Minister's Return and Rehabilitation Package," YAIKS President R K Bhat said.

"The Jammu and Kashmir government is discouraging Kashmiri Pandits who are ready to serve in Kashmir Valley," he said.

"It is quite unfortunate that the appointment of Kashmiri Pandit youths is still kept pending for unknown reasons, which implies highest degree of negligence and callous attitude of recruiting agencies," he said.

Bhat said the Jammu and Kashmir High Court had in 2015 ruled that the 221 candidates are "legally justified and deserved" the posts.

He said YAIKS, which is spearheading a movement on the employment issue, will ensure that jobs are provided to 6,000 youths as promised in the prime minister's package.