June 20th, 2013 was World Refugee Day. In honor of this internationally-recognized day devoted to refugees, UJAS hosted a public hearing in Jodhpur near Rajeev Ghandi Square at Nai Sarak.
Over 1000 refugees, dignitaries, and volunteers gathered to show their support for Hindu-Pakistanis living in India and to demand justice from the government.
Several refugees and dignitaries spoke about their personal grievances and struggles, as well as their plans for future action. A memorandum was submitted to the Prime Minister of India and Chief Minister of Rajasthan by Mr. Hindu Singh Sodha at the end of the hearing. The document listed the nine demands focused on through the campaign, Crying Out For Justice:
1. Justice for Pakistani minorities
2. Citizenship
3. Education for our children
4. Official refugee status
5. Permanent laws and policies
6. Inclusion in government schemes
7. Rehabilitation packages
8. Simplification of the visa process
9. Allowance of doctors with Pakistani degrees to practice in India
The public hearing was feautred in newspapers, including the Hindustan Times, Rajasthan Patrika, and Dainik Bhaskar, the following day!
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