MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Azad Kashmir government minister Abdul Majid Khan has rejected the Joint Awami Action Committee’s (JAAC) demand for abolition of the refugee quota, terming it as “hatred” toward Kashmiri refugees.
Addressing a press conference with other ministers at the PID complex in Muzaffarabad, Finance Minister Abdul Majid Khan accused a handful of people [JAAC] of making fun of the sacrifices of martyrs and playing with the blood of martyrs for their agendas.
The other ministers included, Chaudhry Muhammad Akbar Ibrahim, Akmal Hussain Sargala, Javed Butt, Asim Sharif Butt and Deputy Speaker Chaudhry Riaz Ahmed.
Earlier on May 24, the Awami Action Committee demanded the immediate abolishment of the quota for refugees residing in Pakistan in public sector jobs and educational institutions in Azad Kashmir.
“Jobs and admissions in educational institutions should be given on open merit so that the requirements of justice can be met,” one of the demands read.
Addressing the press conference today, the ministers, representing the refugees, have said that a conspiracy is being made to divide Kashmiris by creating the narrative of differences between locals and migrants.
Condemning the spread of hatred, Finance Minister Abdul Majid Khan questioned the narrative of pitting Kashmiris against Kashmiris. He emphasized the importance of doing politics without spreading hatred.
While talking to the reporters, Khan defended the rights of refugees, stating that they do not even receive the full 6% quota, and urged those spreading hatred to come to their senses.
The minister highlighted the historical context of refugees who migrated to Pakistan due to oppression by the Maharaja before 1947 and then until 1996.
The ministers alleged that the Action Committee is moving on Modi’s agenda and sowing seeds of hatred in the region.
Furthermore, the ministers questioned why the Action Committee only mentions Yasin Malik and not other Hurriyat leaders like Ali Gilani.
Criticising JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir, the finance minister said that he is a shopkeeper and should not indulge in politics of hatred. “If you want to do politics, come and run in elections.”
He advised them to join politics, form a political party, come to the parliament, and make whatever amendments they want.
