Sir,
The flood tragedy in J&K has sent shock waves around the nation. While the nation prays for the welfare of the affected people and the valiant forces are involved in rescue operations, some unhealthy trends are pouring in from the Valley. It is astonishing that some unscrupulous elements have turned the tragedy into an opportunity to make their fortunes.
The tragedy itself should have served  as an eye opener as the nature doesn’t discriminate or favour on the basis of religion, caste, language etc. But some local elements are allegedly discriminating on the basis of religion and charging hefty amounts from the victims of other faiths. It is a shame that a lady had to offer her bangles to get her family rescued.  While valiant forces of different agencies are saving precious lives of marooned people without any discrimination risking their lives, these elements are behaving like pirates and hampering their noble efforts.
There are number of examples that suggest that the tourists are being fleeced by such elements. The State Administration shall ensure that such practices are not repeated and identify the culprits and ensure their exemplary punishment. The trust deficit is such that there are demands that the whole relief and reconstruction programme shall be handed over to the Army. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that funds will not be any handicap in the reconstruction and relief programme. Given the experience, The Task  Master shall know that it is easy to provide funds but it is more onerous to ensure that the funds are utilised properly without any favour of discrimination. Accountability has been casuality in the State and Modi  has to prove himself different on this count to ensure it.
Yours etc….
Satish Mohan Pandit
Jammu

                               II

Sir,
God’s fury  has devastated the Valley. Once upon a time, the paradise has virtually turned into peridition. The horrible scenes  of havoc created by the fury of flood can not be forgotten by the people quite easy. The water level Was receded to some extent but the miseries have increased manifold since last week.
Thanks to the yeoman’s service rendered by the Army and Airforce in lifting the marooned people to the safer destinations inside and outside the State. The Armys ‘‘ Sahitya Operation,” did a commendable job by providing relief and rescuing the people from the jaws of  death. They are engaged in providing succour through chopper services and airlifting the stranded people to safer places in co-operation with NDRF.
The aftermath of floods, is followed by epidemics and the Union Health Ministry has despatched huge quantity of medicines to curb the spread of infectious diseases.
The Prime Minister has appealed to the citizens of India to donate generously both through cash and kind to rehabilitate the flood torn people of the State in their hour of distress and bring it back on the  rails after this great catastrophe of Nature that befell upon them since a century back.
Yours etc….
K L Dhar
Durga Nagar
Enclave, Jammu

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