Not a happy homecoming for Pakistan Hindus
Having an Indian citizenship meant their lives would change for the better, but that’s hardly been the case with the Hindus who migrated from Pakistan to live in Jodhpur. Pakistan is a bogey they have shed but the people here are yet to accept that.
“I came to India in 1997. After struggling hard, I got citizenship in 2005. However, my ordeal continues as I am often being called a ‘Pakistani’ and denied government benefits,” rues 70-year-old Roshanji Bheel.
His remarks sum up the sentiments of 17,000 Hindu migrants from Pakistan living in Jodhpur district. While many of them have got citizenships in 2005, and voted in 2008 and 2013 assembly elections, they feel that they have been ‘neglected and cheated’ by political parties.
Around 35km from Jodhpur, Kaliberi village is home to a large number of Hindu migrants from Pakistan. There is not a concrete house in the village. People live in tents. The village falls under Soorsagar constituency and has a primary school.
“Our children don’t have any options after Class V. We can’t get our caste certificates and aren’t eligible for financial assistance for construction of toilets,” says Khem Singh. He got citizenship in 2013.
They claim they have been promised houses under the Indira Aawas Yojna, but nothing has happened as yet. “We live in tents. We have to always remain alert as snakes and lizards move freely,” says Ratan Lal, who has been waiting for citizenship since 2013.
Hindu Singh Sodha, president of Seemant Lok Sansthan, which helps migrants with paper work, says, “Since they are allowed to come and stay even after expiry of their visas, the government wants them to leave India. However, their condition is poor. Those who have granted citizenships should get all government benefits.”
“They should get rehabilitation packages, domicile certificates, medical and education facilities. Both BJP and Congress should include the issues in their election manifestos,” adds Sodha.
Rajkumar Bheel, whose BDS degree from Lahore is not recognized in India, is living under fear. “My wife and I got our citizenships this year, but our three children are still waiting. Since my degree isn’t recognized by the government, I can’t practice,” he says.
There are around 1.25 lakh Hindu migrants living in western Rajasthan and they can influence results in seats such as Barmer, Chohtan, Sheo, Kolayat, Khajuwala, Sursagar and Jodhpur. At least, 17,000 people are living in Jodhpur district itself and can affect the results in Soorsagar constituency.
Via https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jodhpur/not-a-happy-homecoming-for-pak-hindus/
