Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 15: Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (JKBADC) has accused the administration of neglecting the plight of over 70 families displaced by the massive landslide that struck Kalaban village in Mendhar, Poonch, on September 9.
Addressing a press conference, JKBADC chairman and former Vice Chancellor, Dr Shazad Ahmed Malik, said nearly 300 to 400 villagers were forced to abandon their homes when the land suddenly sank, leaving them without shelter, livestock, household goods, or even basic belongings.
He alleged that, despite the tragedy unfolding a week ago, the affected families have yet to receive proper relief or rehabilitation. “These people are being kept in Panchayat Ghars, which are office buildings without adequate facilities and, in some cases, even washrooms,” Dr Shazad said.
Questioning the Government’s preparedness, he pointed out that crores of rupees have been spent on constructing community halls across J&K, but none have been opened for the victims. “Why should people be made to suffer under inhuman conditions while such halls remain locked?” he asked.
Invoking Article 21 of the Constitution, Dr Shazad asserted that every citizen has the right to live with dignity, and forcing victims into unsuitable shelters strips them of that dignity. “Women, children, and senior citizens cannot be treated like cattle,” he remarked.
He also appealed to all political leaders of Mendhar and Poonch, irrespective of party affiliations, to come together and extend support to the displaced families, saying the responsibility rests not only on the MLA but also on all who have sought people’s mandate.
While the Sub-Divisional Magistrate has been tasked with overseeing relief operations, Dr Shazad noted that the officer lacks independent funds and depends entirely on other departments. He urged the administration to release emergency funds immediately and announce a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package for the Union Territory.
“Natural disasters in recent months have exposed the vulnerability of every region of J&K. Without a long-term plan, public faith in the system will only erode,” he warned.
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