Asking people not to accept the relief amounts being distributed by the government, Huriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday castigated the state authorities, accusing them of multiplying the agonies of the flood victims by failing to mitigating their sufferings.According to the KNS correspondent, Mirwaiz also upped ante against the coming assembly elections, terming them futile and uncalled for. He added that conduction of polls in the disputed Jammu and Kashmir can in no way undermine the veracity of the Kashmir issue. Mirwaiz said that polls neither in future did alter the disputed status of Kashmir neither would it affect at present.
Kashmir’s chief religious cleric while addressing the Friday congregation at historic Jamia Masjid here, reiterated that the pressure tactics carried out by the state dispensation would not deter the pro-freedom camp from its resolve. He also took a dig at the authorities over crackdown on separatist leaders ahead of polls. He said that such undemocratic acts deserve condemnation.While commenting over the relief and rehabilitation process after the floods, Mirwiaz said, “The government turned blind eye towards the victims and instead of ending peoples’ woes, it awfully multiplied them.”
Remarking the flood victims have been left in the midst of the chilling cold conditions with no help from the establishment, the Hurriyat (M) chairman said that his recent visits shook him as he witnessed scores of flood victims living in tents in several areas of Kashmir.
He added that earlier it was promised by the government that a meager amount of Rs 75000 would be given to them as relief but on ground the amount has been deducted to Rs 2800. “People should not accept the relief of this sort. It is not needed and they should return it,” Mirwaiz said amid slogans.
Coming down heavily upon the authorities over the announcement of the poll dates in midst of the worst flood crises, Mirwaiz said, “Instead of speeding up the measures for relief and rehabilitation, the authorities left the flood torn regions of JK unattended with people’s woes adding up every day.”Pledging to support the flood victims in reconstructing their damaged houses, Mirwaiz while announcing the program urged the affluent to earnestly support the cause. He added that a team led by the Imam of Jamia Masjid will assess the damage to the residential houses in consultation with the locals of the respective area. He said that the program has resolved to extend help to all irrespective of their political affiliations, religion or creed. (KNS)