'J&K Bill will serve as a representation to Kahmiri Pandits': Amit Shah defends J&K Bills in LS

• Amit Shah defends J&K bills, emphasizing their objective of delivering justice to those who lost their rights
• The J&K Reservation (Amendment) Bill targets reservation in jobs and educational institutions for SC and ST
• The Bill empowers the Lt. Governor to nominate up to two members from the Kashmiri migrant community to the assembly

Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the J&K Reservation (Amendment) Bill and the J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill during a parliamentary debate on Wednesday. Shah asserted that the bills aim to deliver justice to those who lost their rights, particularly addressing the plight of Kashmiri Pandits forced to leave the region due to terrorism.

Without explicitly naming the Congress party, Shah criticized the handling of terrorism, suggesting that the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits might have been prevented if counter-terrorism efforts had prioritized security over political considerations.

Explaining the provisions of the bills, Shah highlighted that the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, aims to amend the Reservation Act in the union territory.

The bill seeks to provide reservations in jobs and educational institutions for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes. It specifically targets socially and educationally backward individuals residing in villages and areas along the Line of Control and International Border.

Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill empowers the Lieutenant Governor to nominate up to two members from the Kashmiri migrant community to the assembly, including at least one woman. The bills, according to Shah, are designed to grant representation and rights to those who were displaced, offering a redressal for the challenges faced by Kashmiri Pandits.