Only 3 of 6.5k Kashmiri migrant families have permanently returned to Valley: Parliamentary panel

According to a report from the Hindustan Times, a parliamentary panel has revealed that only three out of approximately 6,500 Kashmiri migrant families have permanently returned to the Kashmir Valley. The findings highlight a significant gap between government efforts and the actual rate of resettlement for families displaced from the region.

The parliamentary committee has formally requested that the government conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the specific barriers preventing these families from returning. Key concerns cited by the panel include ongoing security challenges, the availability and quality of housing, and various socio-economic factors that continue to deter displaced residents from moving back to their ancestral homes.

The issue of Kashmiri migrant resettlement remains a sensitive and complex topic in Indian domestic policy. While various rehabilitation schemes have been proposed and implemented over the years, the panel's report underscores that the practical implementation of these programs has not yet yielded the desired level of permanent relocation. The committee's call for a deeper review suggests a need for a more targeted approach to address the specific grievances and safety requirements of the migrant community.

Moving forward, the government is expected to evaluate the panel's recommendations as it seeks to refine its policy framework for the region. The focus remains on creating an environment that provides both the physical infrastructure and the necessary security assurances to encourage the long-term return of displaced families to the Valley.