Dy CM Surindar Chowdhary demands comprehensive relief package, restoration of Statehood for J&K

Dy CM Surindar Chowdhary demands comprehensive relief package, restoration of Statehood for J&K

‘2014 relief package did not reach to Kashmiris’

Arshad Farooq

Srinagar, Aug 30 (KINS): Deputy Chief Minister Surindar Chowdhary on Saturday called for a comprehensive relief package for the flood-hit areas of Jammu, saying the devastation caused by recent rains has severely impacted every sector of the region.

Speaking to news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS), Chowdhary said the floods have wreaked havoc across several districts, leaving farmers, traders, and the business community in distress acrossJammu region. “Every sector has been badly hit. Farmers as well as business establishments have suffered heavy losses. The Jammu region has given a big mandate to the BJP, and now the responsibility lies with the party to ensure a substantial relief package for Jammu,” he said.

Accusing BJP leaders of limiting themselves to “photo opportunities,” Chowdhary said concrete measures are urgently needed. He asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to announce a major relief package that would enable affected families to rebuild their lives. “We hope the PM and HM will announce a big package. Only then will the people of Jammu be able to stand on their own,” he said.

Chowdhary also recalled the 2014 floods, alleging that the Rs 80,000 crore package announced at that time did not reach the victims. “That money was diverted to other areas by the BJP-PDP government. The victims of 2014 never received those funds,” he claimed.

Expressing concern over the continuation of the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra despite predictions of inclement weather, Chowdhary questioned the role of the administration. “The responsibility lies with the Lieutenant Governor, who must explain why the Yatra was not stopped despite weather warnings,” he said.

In addition to immediate relief measures, Chowdhary reiterated his demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that political empowerment and accountability could only be ensured through its return. “Without statehood, the people’s aspirations remain unfulfilled. It must be restored without delay,” he said. (KINS)