Panun Kashmir Grievance Cell demands accountability for substandard repair works
in Genocide Survivors/Victims Colonies in Jammu
22/10/2026
Jammu, October 22 (KIP)-The Panun Kashmir Grievance Cell today expressed serious concern over the alleged substandard quality of ongoing repair, renovation and development works at Jagti Township and other Genocide Survivors/Victims Colonies in Jammu, demanding immediate government intervention and accountability from the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department.
These colonies house thousands of Kashmiri Hindu families who were forced to leave their ancestral homeland in Kashmir. The deteriorating condition of residential infrastructure, coupled with allegations of poor workmanship, the use of substandard construction materials and inadequate technical supervision, raises serious questions about the quality of execution and the utilisation of public funds. These are not merely infrastructure projects; they concern the safety, dignity and fundamental living conditions of a community that has endured decades of displacement.
The Grievance Cell expressed particular concern over the reported inadequacy of engineering and supervisory staff and the absence of publicly accessible structural safety audit reports before the execution of major repair works. The reported deployment of just one Junior Engineer to oversee works across 176 blocks comprising approximately 4,224 flats at Jagti raises serious questions about the adequacy of on-site supervision, quality control and compliance with prescribed engineering standards.
Panun Kashmir demands that the government and the R&B Department clarify whether comprehensive structural safety audits were conducted before undertaking major repair works, who is responsible for ensuring the quality of construction materials, and how effective monitoring is being carried out with the reported shortage of technical personnel. The government must also explain what mechanisms are in place to identify defective work, enforce contractual obligations and fix responsibility for any negligence or financial irregularities established through an impartial inquiry.
The Grievance Cell calls upon the Relief & Rehabilitation Commissioner and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir to order an independent technical inquiry into the ongoing works, ensure an immediate inspection of affected blocks and commission a comprehensive structural safety audit through a reputed independent technical institution or agency. We further demand the deployment of adequate engineering and supervisory personnel, independent testing of construction materials wherever necessary, and mandatory physical verification of completed works before bills are cleared and payments released. Details of sanctioned funds, work orders, contractors, inspection reports and payments should be made accessible to the public in accordance with applicable rules.
Panun Kashmir emphasises that public money must be accompanied by public accountability. Any contractor or official found responsible for substandard execution, negligence or violations of prescribed standards must face appropriate action in accordance with the law, and defective work must be rectified at the responsible party’s cost wherever liability is established. The safety of genocide survivors and victims cannot be compromised, nor can the government afford to treat their grievances as routine administrative complaints.
The Kashmiri Hindu community, already subjected to decades of displacement and uncertainty, deserves safe housing, dignified living conditions and transparent governance. Rehabilitation cannot be reduced to the execution of repair contracts without adequate supervision, independent verification and accountability. Panun Kashmir therefore appeals to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, the Chief Secretary and the concerned authorities to intervene immediately, ensure that all works conform to prescribed safety and quality standards, and make the officials and agencies concerned answerable for their actions.
Panun Kashmir's demand is unequivocal: independent scrutiny, transparent expenditure, adequate technical supervision and accountability at every level. The safety and dignity of the genocide survivors and victims residing in these colonies must remain paramount.