Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 28: The border dwellers of Jammu region continue to suffer in one way or the other. Be it distribution of relief material in makeshift camps or construction of bunkers, the hapless people have alleged irregularities. And, as if it was not enough, the landmine blast victims from the region have also been left high and dry.
Having been left to fend for their own, the victims have to strive hard even for food and more often than not, many among them go to bed with an empty stomach.
Pertinent to mention the Indian and Pakistani armies have extensively planted landmines in their respective areas along the LoC to prevent infiltration. However, the infiltrators and smugglers cross the borders easily, the civilian mostly farmers fall victim to these deadly devices.
The border dwellers especially in Poonch and Rajouri districts work with the army as porters and at times fall victim to these landmines.
And, once the accident happens, the victim finds nobody around. Most of the victims with amputated limbs are found in Mendhar, Balakote, Manlite, Gulpir and Mandi in Poonch district. The story from forward areas in Rajouri district is not too different.
According to a Srinagar based activist, who has worked on landmine victims, the sufferers, rather survivors find it difficult to get their compensation cases processed in the their respective districts.
According to him, the maimed persons move from pillar to post in search of artificial limbs. Some of the persons even reach Srinagar NGOs for help, he said.
The victims have urged the administration to ensure speedy disposal of the pending compensation cases. |
