Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan recently visited a settlement of Pakistani Hindu refugees near Adarsh Nagar in North-West Delhi. His visit came in the wake of complaints that the power utility had disconnected electricity supply to the settlement more than 20 days ago.
These Pakistani nationals faced religious persecution in that country and started crossing over to India from their homes in Sindh Province. The settlers alleged, power supply was disconnected more than 20 days ago, without any reason, though they have been staying there since 2013.
Dr Harsh Vardhan interacted with local authorities, officials of the power utility NDPL and police officials. The officials, however, could not give a satisfactory explanation to his questions about the reason for power disconnection and the delay in restoring it. He asked the officials to find a viable solution to it, as it would make the life of these families – men, women and children, difficult in this summer time. The settlers allege, without power, even water supply has been disrupted.
The Minister went through the temporary settlement, made of reed and bamboo, without any basic facilities and interacted with its residents – elders, women and children. They do odd jobs for their sustenance in the nearby wholesale vegetable market. There are two more camps for these refugees in Delhi – Majnu Ka Tila and Rohini, Sector 11.
There are about 100 small kids in this settlement. Some local volunteers have set up a training centre to provide a bridge course to help these children get admission in local government schools.
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