Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR, Sept 17: Senior Congress leader and former Minister of J&K, GM Saroori, visited the rain and landslide-affected families of Bunjwah in Kishtwar district.
During his interaction with the victims, he stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive rehabilitation package, saying that the affected families have lost everything and cannot be left with meagre assistance.
Saroori met several families whose houses and farmlands were completely damaged by the recent heavy rainfall and landslides. The locals apprised him of their hardships, pointing out that they are without safe shelter, food supplies, and basic amenities. They expressed disappointment over the inadequate relief being provided by the authorities.
Speaking on the occasion, Saroori revealed that more than a dozen houses have been completely destroyed in the area. He said the land has slipped to such an extent that it is no longer safe for people to rebuild or reside there. He further pointed out that the Tehsildar, during his visit, also acknowledged that reconstruction of houses at the same site is not possible.
Saroori demanded that the Government resettle the victims on the pattern of Chashoti rehabilitation, so that the families are shifted to a safer place and are not exposed to similar disasters in the future. “The people have lost everything-houses, land, and livelihood. Nothing remains for them. The Government must immediately announce a rehabilitation package so that they can begin their lives afresh,” he said.
Criticizing the token relief measures, Saroori remarked that financial assistance of Rs 3,000 or Rs 6,000, or distribution of a few kilograms of rice, cannot provide any meaningful support to the victims.
“Such symbolic measures are nothing less than a cruel joke on the miseries of the affected families,” he said, urging the administration to come forward with a special relief package and ensure permanent rehabilitation of the disaster-hit families.
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