Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 7: Budhal MLA Javed Iqbal Choudhary of NC has strongly demanded adequate relief funds for the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and compensation to people affected by the ongoing flood situation in Jammu & Kashmir.
Choudhary said that the devastating floods have caused massive destruction across Jammu and Kashmir-damaging agricultural crops, fields, business establishments, local tourism, and even pilgrimage tourism. “Every section of society has been impacted badly, from common people to businessmen to students,” he added.
He criticized the Union Government’s announcement of a Rs 209 crore relief package, clarifying that this amount is nothing more than the routine annual share of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). “This meagre sum is insufficient even to reconstruct a single municipal ward of Jammu city,” he remarked. Choudhary further revealed that Budhal constituency alone has reported flood damages worth Rs 200 crore.
Appealing to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Choudhary urged him to immediately seek Rs 10,000 crore relief and reconstruction package from the Union Government. He further suggested that an all-party delegation be taken to meet the Prime Minister of India to press this urgent demand.
“In this hour of crisis, in a federal system, the Union Government cannot turn a blind eye. It has a constitutional and moral responsibility to support Jammu & Kashmir by releasing immediate relief funds and strengthening Centre-State relations,” Choudhary stressed.
He also appealed to the Leader of Opposition and all BJP MLAs to raise their voice for Jammu region. “Since BJP enjoys a massive mandate in Jammu, it must act responsibly. Maximum damage due to floods has occurred in Jammu region, and the people deserve a special relief package,” he said.
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