Appealing people to observe Eid-ul-Adha with austerity, Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq stressed upon people to refrain from unnecessary spending and assist in providing relief to hundreds of thousands of flood victims.Addressing a Friday gathering at historic Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz stated that the nation was facing immense hardships due to the devastation caused by the floods. He stated that even though efforts were on to bring back life on track, the magnitude of the disaster is such that it will be a long time and huge effort before things can normalize
He said that the claims of New Delhi and the state government that all help and assistance in terms of relief and rehabilitation to the affected people is being provided,is incorrect and far from the truth. Although a month has passed since the floods, there is very little presence of state machinery on the ground. He stated that basic food items like rice and wheat was not available to people or if it was, it is not being disbursed fairly.Mirwaiz stated that it is unfortunate that the Government of India has as yet not allowed international aid to come into the valley which greatly needs help from all quarters. He said that even though Kashmiri expats residing in different countries around the globe have contacted Indian embassy for allowing aid to reach their brethren in Kashmir, but GOI condition of allowing it only if it is send though prime ministers relief fund, is unfortunate.
Mirwaiz announced that in view of complaints received from hundreds of affected people that there was favouritism and discrimination in the distribution of whatever relief was being provided by the Government, Hurriyat has decided to constitute a public grievance cell, where complaints in this regard can be registered. Details of complaint centres will be made public soon. The cell will also act as a watchdog to ensure that fair practices are followed by the authorities in the rehabilitation of affected people. If any discrepancies are found in this regard it will be exposed through media.
Mirwaiz said that complaints have also been received from some quarters that flood affected goods were being repackaged and sold by shopkeepers in the markets, which is highly condemnable. He said complaints of this kind will also be entertained and looked into by the cell.Meanwhile Mirwaiz announced that Eid-ul-Adha Nimaaz would offered at historic Idd Gah at 10 am and sermon would start at 9 am sharp. Meanwhile, A high level delegation comprising of Representatives of Irans Spiritual head Ayatollah Khamnai offered Juma prayers at the historic Jama Masjid and later called on the Mirwaiz at Mirwaiz Manzil Rajouri Kadal. (KNS)