J&K Adm Seeks FIR Against Kashmiri Pandit Leader For Facebook Comment On Relief Commissioner

JAMMU, May 7: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has asked police to register an FIR against Kashmiri Pandit leader Sunil Bhat for allegedly making defamatory remarks against the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner in a Facebook comment.

According to an official communication from the Office of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants), Bhat accused the commissioner of illegal allotment of shops and accepting bribes, allegations the administration said have tarnished the institution’s image.

The letter, addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, also alleged that Bhat was instigating people against the government’s Special Relief Ration Scheme and encouraging actions that could lead to public disorder.

“It has come to the notice of this office that Sunil Bhat posted derogatory comments on a video shared by Valley Express News on Facebook, alleging corruption in shop allotments,” the communication stated.

Assistant Commissioner (Relief) Kailash Devi directed police to immediately lodge an FIR, citing concerns over attempts to provoke unrest through social media activity.

The administration maintained that the allotment of shops at the Jagti migrant camp was carried out transparently on the recommendations of a committee of senior officials and said it was open to any inquiry into the process.

Meanwhile, tensions have been simmering among displaced Kashmiri Pandits over the integration of their relief rations into the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

On Wednesday, protests erupted in Jammu, with demonstrators attempting to march towards the Relief Commissioner’s office, leading to minor clashes with police.

Community leaders termed the NFSA a “black law” and alleged that its implementation could dilute their identity as displaced persons and impact their rehabilitation rights.