Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 23: National Conference (NC) additional general secretary and former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today called for a comprehensive disaster preparedness and response strategy in Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that recurring natural calamities in hilly and remote areas highlight the urgent need for stronger mechanisms.
Participating in the 10th Day ceremonies of Chashoti cloudburst victims at Benagarh in R S Pura, Bodh Darank, Bhagatpur in Gho Manhasa, and Flora Nagbani in Marh, Sadhotra interacted with families affected by the tragedy. One of the ceremonies was held for a victim from a Benagarh family that lost eight members, of whom seven remain missing. He said he had already spoken to the Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar to expedite efforts for retrieving the bodies to provide closure to the bereaved.
Sadhotra emphasized that the recent tragedy has underscored gaps in disaster response and the necessity for preparedness. “The Government must prioritize disaster management by equipping agencies with adequate resources for rescue, relief, and rehabilitation,” he said. “Natural calamities are beyond human control, but their impact can be minimized with a robust strategy in place.”
He reiterated that the NC would stand by affected families in every possible way, adding that the party’s rank and file remain united in offering support during such crises. Sadhotra said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is personally monitoring the rescue and relief operations in Chashoti , which are progressing at a fast pace. The Government, he said, has assured that all possible measures are being taken to support victims and trace those still missing.
Others who accompanied Sadhotra were Ayub Malik (provincial secretary Jammu), Naresh Bittu (district president, Jammu Rural B), Raghbir Singh Manhas (district president, Jammu Rural A), Balwinder Singh (block president Miran Sahib), Parvinder Singh, Jatinder Choudhary, Dev Raj, Rajesh Bakshi, Jatinder Singh Lucky, Vishavjeet Singh, Gurmeet Singh Jimmy, Sandeep Singh, Ashanand, Sandesh Shan, Jatinder Bhagat, Karan Singh, Gurdeep Singh Wazir, Devinder Singh and Mohinder Kumar.
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