DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, Jul 19
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Raman Suri has expressed deep anguish over the devastating flash floods and landslides in Rajouri and Poonch districts that have claimed at least 11 lives, left several persons missing and caused massive destruction to homes, businesses, public infrastructure and private property. Extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, Suri prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
He also expressed solidarity with the hundreds of families displaced by the calamity. Describing the situation in Rajouri as extremely grim, Suri questioned the priorities of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at a time when Jammu Kashmir is facing a grave humanitarian crisis. “It is unfortunate that while people are struggling to save their lives and livelihoods, the Chief Minister appears more interested in pursuing political gimmicks and creating photo opportunities than concentrating on governance”, he said. Omar Abdullah’s repeated campaign for restoration of statehood is nothing but a diversion from the pressing issues confronting the people,” Suri said. He asserted that the restoration of statehood is neither an uncertain nor a disputed issue. “The Government of India has already made a clear commitment that statehood will be restored at an appropriate time. It is a settled issue.
Instead of repeatedly raising the same demand and wasting valuable time, public money and administrative energy, Omar Abdullah must focus on the immediate challenges before Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. Raman Suri said several localities in Rajouri and Pooch have been inundated after rivers breached their banks, flood protection walls gave way and flash floods swept through residential colonies, markets and the new bus stand, washing away vehicles and leaving behind a trail of devastation.
While appreciating the efforts of the Army, police, SDRF, NDRF, civil administration and volunteers engaged in rescue and relief operations, he asked the chief minister to set his priorities right and act accordingly.
Referring to the Meteorological Department’s warning of moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir until July 23, Suri said the government cannot afford complacency. “This is the time for the Chief Minister to stay in Jammu Kashmir, personally monitor the evolving situation and ensure that the entire Cabinet remains on high alert. Every minister must be assigned responsibility for vulnerable districts, while the Disaster Management Authority, SDRF, NDRF, police, health services and district administrations should function in emergency mode round the clock,” he said.
Suri called upon the government to immediately strengthen flood protection measures, ensure timely evacuation from vulnerable areas, establish additional relief camps, deploy adequate medical teams and maintain sufficient stocks of food, medicines, drinking water and other essential supplies in districts likely to be affected by further rains.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir expect a government that stands with them during their darkest hours. This is not the occasion for political theatrics or headline management. It is a test of leadership, compassion and administrative efficiency,” he remarked.
Demanding immediate relief and fair compensation for affected families, Suri urged the administration to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the losses suffered by households, traders and farmers and ensure that financial assistance reaches them without delay.
