 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 19: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President (Jammu) Rattan Lal Gupta has come down heavily on the BJP led Central Government for its glaring inaction and apathetic attitude towards the recent natural disaster in Chisoti, Kishtwar.
Gupta questioned why, despite the sheer scale of destruction and loss of lives - "unseen in recent times," as he put it - the Union Government continues to drag its feet instead of stepping up with tangible relief measures.
"It's been over a week, and the Union Home Minister is yet to visit the disaster-hit site, let alone announce any meaningful relief," said Gupta, adding that the government's response reeks of indifference.
He compared the Centre's immediate, often swift, interventions in other states with the verbal-only response given to Jammu and Kashmir. "In other places, the Prime Minister and Home Minister reach in hours. Here, people are battling grief and devastation alone - it's as if Delhi doesn't even know we exist," he said.
Gupta didn't hold back in taking a swipe at the BJP State unit either. "The BJP's local is serving up empty promises while being completely invisible on the ground. Not just their local legislators even their party workers have gone missing," he quipped, suggesting that the ruling party in the Centre and its local unit has all but abandoned the people of Kishtwar in their hour of need.
In stark contrast, Gupta praised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for rising to the occasion. "Omar Sahib has been on the ground, leading from the front personally overseeing rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts. His cabinet ministers have visited hospitals in Jammu to check on the injured. This is what leadership looks like," he said.
He further said, "Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led govt deserves commendation for his swift and compassionate response to the Kishtwar cloudburst tragedy. By announcing substantial ex-gratia relief for the families of the deceased, the injured, and those who suffered property loss, he has shown a deep sense of responsibility and empathy."
Calling for a comprehensive and immediate relief package from the Centre, Gupta warned that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will not forget this differential treatment. "This isn't just political negligence - it's emotional abandonment. The silence from the Centre is loud, and sadly, it says a lot." |
