 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 1: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, today said the visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah has generated hope in Jammu about the release of a tangible relief package for the people reeling under colossal damages caused by the recent natural calamities.
Interacting with people during his visit to the recent flash floods affected areas at Sunjwan Govt. High Secondary School where camp have been organized for the victims by the government and also visited lower Bernini the people of camp appreciated the facilities being provided by the administration. Sadhotra expressed confidence that the Home Minister would undertake tours of the worst-hit localities, meet the sufferers directly, and take firsthand stock of the tragedy that has unfolded in the wake of flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts across the Jammu region.
"This is not the time for optics or symbolism. The people of Jammu are looking towards the highest echelons of power in the country for empathy, reassurance, and immediate action. They deserve not just words but a concrete, liberal relief and rehabilitation package," Sadhotra said.
Highlighting the widespread devastation, Sadhotra said that nature's fury over the past few weeks has left behind a trail of destruction that is both heartbreaking and alarming. Several areas have been washed away, houses reduced to rubble, and agricultural fields destroyed. The loss of infrastructure, roads, bridges, and public utilities has further worsened the crisis, cutting off people from essential supplies and services. Above all, the tragic loss of human lives in various places has cast a long shadow of grief and despair on countless families, he added.
Sadhotra maintained that in such extraordinary circumstances, extraordinary measures are required. He expressed hope that the Union Government would announce a liberal and comprehensive package to compensate the sufferers, rebuild shattered infrastructure, and ensure long-term measures for flood control and disaster preparedness. Mere token assistance, he cautioned, will not suffice given the enormity of damages suffered across regions.
While expressing solidarity with the affected families, the senior National Conference leader said that the calamity is not confined to one district or belt but has caused widespread devastation across the Jammu region. Therefore, a holistic approach is needed to address the challenges posed by the disaster, he said.
"The need of the hour is a coordinated response, adequate resources, and speedy decision-making. The Union Home Minister must use his visit as an opportunity to demonstrate that the Government of India stands shoulder to shoulder with the people in their hour of grief," he maintained.
The sufferers were demanding power and drinking water at Lower Bernini where they have been living in Private tents. NC leader talked to Chief Engineer PHE and Chief Engineer Power regarding demand of the people.
Sadhotra reiterated that the National Conference has always stood for the welfare of the people and will continue to raise the voice of those who are in pain and distress. He said Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah is leading from the front to reach out to the sufferers to minimize their problems, while party workers are already on the ground extending voluntary help. However, the magnitude of the disaster requires the Union Government's proactive involvement and substantial financial support, he said.
"Let the visit of the Home Minister not be remembered as just another protocol-driven exercise but as a turning point that brought much-needed relief and succor to the people of Jammu," Sadhotra added.
Others who accompanied are: Raghbir Singh Manhas District President Jammu Rural A, Mohd Aslam Choudhary, Randhir Singh District Secretary Jammu Rural A, Rakesh Sharma (Phalwan) District President Jammu Rural A YNC, Subash Choudhary, Ghulam Rasool Lamberdhar, Nadeem Choudhary, Rafiq Choudhary, Sudam Hussain, Maqbul Ahmad, Ajmal Malik, Kaku Malik. |
