JAMMU, May 6: Displaced Kashmiri Pandits protested here on Wednesday against the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s move to integrate their relief rations into the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Minor clashes broke out between demonstrators and police as they attempted to march towards the Relief Commissioner’s office.
Terming the move a “conspiracy” to dilute their migrant and genocide victim status, the protesters vowed to intensify agitation if the decision is not rolled back.
The administration is integrating migrant ration cards, including those of Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) in Jammu, into the NFSA database. This process began in early 2026. As of April 2026, officials said over 17,500 migrant ration cards have been integrated, with more than 50,000 families ultimately set to be included to enable access to wider social welfare schemes.
Hundreds of members of the displaced community, representing groups such as the United Alliance of Kashmiri Displaced Community, Panun Kashmir and various migrant camp residents, joined the protest march, which was also supported by Shiv Sena.
The protesters, including residents of Jagti, Purkhoo, Nagrota and Muthi migrant camps, assembled on the road outside the Relief Commissioner’s office and raised slogans against implementation of the NFSA.
As they tried to move towards the office, a heavy police contingent stopped them, leading to brief scuffles and pushing between the two sides, said officials.
Police later dispersed the crowd. Afterwards, the protesters staged a sit-in and raised anti-government slogans.
Community leaders described NFSA as a “black law” and a “trap” for Kashmiri Pandits, alleging that its implementation would dilute their distinct identity as displaced persons and affect their rehabilitation rights.
“It is a black law and a trap for the community to dilute their identity as genocide survivors. The discrepancies in this law amount to outright injustice.
For 36 years, Kashmiri Pandits have suffered after their displacement, and now under NFSA, our identity is being diluted,” said Panun Kashmir convenor Dr Agnishaker.
“We urge the authorities to reconsider the decision pragmatically and address the community’s genuine concerns. In its present form, this is anti-community,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the upcoming census, demanding recognition of their distinct identity as internally displaced persons and victims of genocide. “If our identity is not included, it will amount to erasing Kashmiri Pandits forever,” Agnishaker said.
Another leader, Arvind Kaul, alleged that their fundamental right to peaceful protest was being curtailed.
“It is our fundamental right to protest peacefully, but we are not even being allowed to do that,” he said, demanding restoration of their rights and continuation of the existing relief system.
He sought permanent rehabilitation for the displaced community, stating that they neither have homes nor their homeland, yet are being asked to register Kashmir as their permanent address.
Echoing similar sentiments, community leader Sunil Kumar said the displaced population would continue their struggle until a permanent and dignified resolution to their displacement is achieved.
“We strongly oppose these laws being imposed on us repeatedly. We will not step back until our demands are met,” he said.
The protesters warned of a larger agitation if their concerns are not addressed, reiterating their demand that the government focus on rehabilitation in Kashmir rather than altering the relief distribution mechanism. (Agencies)
