Early Times Report
Srinagar, Oct 3: Expressing dismay over the sluggish relief and rehabilitation measures for the flood-affected people in Jammu and Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Patron, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today called for tangible action on war-footing basis to provide shelter to the displaced families, ensure rations for the victims, assistance for reconstruction of damaged houses, regeneration of livelihood and revival of trade and business activities.
Interacting with the representatives of various trade and business bodies, who called on him here today, Sayeed said the Government of India should come forward to meet immediate needs of the vulnerable population in the flood-affected areas and provide them appropriate support through standard and sufficient assistance packages.
"The Government of India should announce a comprehensive and acceptable relief and rehabilitation package for the flood-affected people in Jammu and Kashmir given the enormity of the tragedy," he said.
The Kashmir Inc was represented at the meeting by KCCI president, Sheikh Aashiq Hussain, Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) chairman, Showkat Choudhary and Lal Chowk Traders Federation president, Mairaj-ud-Din. PDP leaders Syed Altaf Bukhari and Mr Rauf Punjabi were also present on the occasion.
Sayeed said food, housing and livelihood are the areas of immediate concern for the flood-affected people and the same need emergency response from the Government of India. He said the half-hearted measures are not going to help the large population whose lives and livelihoods have been ravaged by the devastating floods. "Unfortunately, almost a month after the devastating floods hit Kashmir, the State Government is yet to come out with the Recovery Needs Assessment data to press for a reasonable relief package for the flood-affected people from the Centre," he said and added that besides announcing a relief package for displaced households for reconstruction and restoration of damaged houses, the Government must responsively workout a special flood recovery grant for the revival of affected trade, businesses, agriculture and horticulture sectors. "The package should include a new credit line with special interest rates, tax incentives, debt moratorium and investment privileges for the businesses affected by the floods," he said. |
