People's Democracy

 Centre Must Help J&K In A Big Way

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) issued the following statement on February 24, 2005.

THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its serious concern at the severe damage and loss of lives in Jammu & Kashmir due to heavy snowfall.  Avalanches buried a number of villages in the Qazigund area of the valley.  Normal life is paralysed in many parts of the valley. 

A large number of people are stranded on both sides of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

It is unfortunate that the state administration remained paralysed in the early days when the heavy snowfall took place causing havoc. 

There is a severe scarcity of foodgrains, kerosene oil and other essential commodities.  In the badly-hit areas such as Waltangu and other affected areas, it was the local people who undertook rescue measures and organised relief.

The Polit Bureau demands that the central government step in a big way to organise relief and rehabilitation in the state. The armed forces must be pressed into service for rescue operations and for reaching the areas cut off.  Essential commodities must be airlifted to all the affected areas and steps taken to restore communications.

An important lesson from this disaster is the need to upgrade the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway based on the proposals made as far back as 1995. Compensation should be given to all those who have suffered losses of properties and lives in their families. (INN)