Set up welfare board for PoK refugees: NC

The ruling National Conference party in Jammu and Kashmir today said it was greatly in favour of a board of welfare to be set up in the interests of refugees from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
NC provincial president Devender Singh Rana urged J-K government to consider setting up a board for the welfare of those displaced from PoK as a result of armed conflict in 1947, 1965 and 1971.
He was speaking during an interaction with a delegation of PoK refugees today.
The desired body could be based on the model of the boards set up for the welfare of farmers, SC/STs and other segments of society, Rana said.

Underlining NC's commitment to working towards their benefit, Rana also pleaded for a one-time mega package for PoK refugees.
"The (J-K) chief minister has been pursuing the matter with the Centre and recently took up the issue (Of PoK refugees) with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh during his visit to Srinagar," Rana said.
Apart from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, a high-level NC delegation also took up the matter with the PM during his visit, Rana added.