New Delhi: In a heartfelt gesture, West Pakistan Refugees (WPR) expressed their profound gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for granting them citizenship after being denied this right for over seven decades. The President of the WPR Association, Labha Ram Gandhi, led the delegation during a meeting with Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in New Delhi.
The refugees, during their meeting with Dr. Singh, who is also the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, and MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, conveyed their sincere appreciation for the government’s unwavering support. They expressed that the kindness and generosity shown to them have been instrumental in ensuring their well-being and integration into Indian society.
“We are deeply touched by the kindness and generosity shown towards us, ensuring our well-being and integration into the Indian society,” the refugees stated, recalling the injustice they endured for seven decades. They accused previous governments of ignoring their plight and depriving them of their rights to vote and lawful citizenship for political gains.
WPRs migrated from West Pakistan in the wake of the 1947 partition and settled in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir, primarily in Jammu, Kathua, and Rajouri districts. Approximately 5,764 families migrated to Jammu due to the 1947 aggression by Pakistan.
The refugees hailed the abrogation of Article 370 as a historic move that brought justice to many unheard voices in Jammu and Kashmir. They shared with Dr. Singh, who represents the Udhampur Lok Sabha Constituency for the third consecutive term, their plans for a grand celebration on August 5, marking five years since the abrogation of Article 370, which had denied them citizenship and the right to vote for so many years.
On the sidelines, the association requested Dr. Singh’s assistance in expediting compensation and addressing other grievances. Dr. Singh assured them of swift action and a time-bound resolution of their issues.
The WPR Association personally thanked Dr. Jitendra Singh for his proactive efforts, which have not only alleviated their suffering but also given them hope for a brighter future. “We pledge to contribute positively to our adopted homeland and strive towards its progress and prosperity. Thank you, Government of India, for embracing us with open arms and granting us a chance to begin anew,” the refugees said.