Raman Bhalla leads displaced families’ delegation to meet CM Omar Abdullah

Jammu, Mar 3: In a significant political development with far-reaching implications for lakhs of displaced families in J&K, JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla on Tuesday led a high-level delegation to meet Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, seeking urgent intervention against what he described as the “systematic denial” of Scheduled Tribe (ST2) certificates to members of the displaced Pahari community from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK).

Calling the issue one of “constitutional justice and equal treatment under law,” Bhalla urged the Chief Minister to immediately direct all district administrations across the Union Territory to ensure uniform implementation of the Scheduled Tribe notification for the Pahari Ethnic Group (PEG), without discrimination on the basis of present place of residence.

During the meeting, Bhalla also forcefully raised the long-pending demand for implementation of the Parliamentary Committee’s recommendation of a Rs 30 lakh rehabilitation package for PoJK Displaced Persons (DPs).

He said that thousands of families uprooted during the 1947 conflict continue to live in economic hardship and deserve comprehensive financial relief to ensure dignified rehabilitation. “This is not merely a question of certificates or financial aid. It is about correcting historical injustice faced by families who sacrificed their homes and livelihoods during one of the most turbulent chapters in our history,” Bhalla stated.

The delegation submitted a detailed memorandum dated March 3, 2026, highlighting grievances of displaced persons belonging to the Pahari Ethnic Group who are presently residing in different districts of Jammu Division—particularly Jammu district—but outside Rajouri and Poonch.

According to the memorandum, eligible applicants fulfilling all criteria under SO 176 dated March 15, 2024 are allegedly facing arbitrary rejection or non-processing of their ST2 applications in districts other than Rajouri and Poonch. Bhalla pointed out that as per Rule 21 of SO 176, any person seeking benefits under the Pahari Ethnic Group category must belong to the Pahari clan, community or tribe with distinct cultural, ethnic and linguistic identity produce valid identification documents such as Aadhaar Card, Voter Identity Card or Domicile Certificate, obtain certification from the competent authority, namely the concerned Tehsildar.He asserted that displaced PoJK Pahari families fulfill all these requirements, yet are allegedly being denied ST2 certification solely because they presently reside in districts like Jammu or Samba. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured them that their concerns would be examined thoroughly. He stated that appropriate steps would be taken in accordance with the law after reviewing the matter.