Displaced Kashmiri Pandits staged a protest in Jammu on Wednesday against the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s decision to integrate their relief rations into the National Food Security Act (NFSA). A minor scuffle broke out when protesters attempted to march towards the Relief Commissioner’s office and were stopped by police.
Calling the move a “conspiracy” to weaken their migrant and genocide victim status, the protesters warned that they would intensify their protest if the decision is not withdrawn.
The administration has started integrating migrant ration cards, including those of Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) living in Jammu, into the NFSA database. The process started in early 2026, and officials said by April 2026, more than 17,500 migrant ration cards had already been merged. Over 50,000 families are expected to be included so they can access broader welfare schemes.
Hundreds of displaced community members participated in the protest march. Representatives from organisations such as the United Alliance of Kashmiri Displaced Community, Panun Kashmir and residents of various migrant camps joined the demonstration, which also received support from Shiv Sena.
Protesters from Jagti, Purkhoo, Nagrota and Muthi migrant camps gathered outside the Relief Commissioner’s office and raised slogans opposing the implementation of NFSA.
When demonstrators tried to move closer to the office premises, a large police contingent blocked their path. This led to brief pushing and scuffles between protesters and security personnel, officials said.
Police later dispersed the crowd. Following this, protesters sat on the road in a sit-in protest and continued raising slogans against the government. Community leaders described the NFSA as a “black law” and a “trap,” alleging that its implementation could dilute their identity as displaced persons and negatively impact their rehabilitation rights.
Panun Kashmir convenor Dr Agnishaker said “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.”
He urged the authorities to reconsider the decision and address the genuine concerns of the displaced community, adding that in its current form the policy appears anti-community.
Agnishaker also raised concerns regarding the upcoming census and demanded recognition of Kashmiri Pandits 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 community leader, Arvind Kaul, alleged that their fundamental right to protest peacefully was being restricted by the authorities. "It is our fundamental right to protest peacefully, but we are not even being allowed to do that," Kaul said, seeking restoration of their rights and continuation of the existing relief system.
He also called for permanent rehabilitation, saying displaced families still lack both homes and a secure homeland while being asked to register Kashmir as their permanent address.
Community leader Sunil Kumar echoed similar concerns and said the displaced population would continue its struggle until a permanent and dignified solution 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 launching a larger agitation if their concerns remain unresolved and urged the government to prioritise rehabilitation in Kashmir instead of altering the existing relief distribution system.
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