“PM has not fulfilled his promise to help flood affected Kashmir”

AMN /
In trying times, JK’s top court came to rescue of flood victimsNormal life is affected in Kashmir valley following strike called by traders against failure of both state and central governments to rehabilitate the flood victims particularly traders, a year after the flood waters swept the valley especially Srinagar city.

The call has been supported by opposition National Conference, separatist groups, transporters, hoteliers, private school associations. Shops, business establishments and mostly educational institutions are closed. The attendance in govt, semi government offices, banks, universities and other institutions, is largely

File Photo

affected. Public transport is off the roads. The scanty private transport is plying in capital city. Kashmir University postponed all its examinations today. Similar reports of disruption in normal life is reported from district headquarters. At least 300 people were killed and thousands rendered homeless in floods last year. Properties and standing crops, worth thousands of crores of rupees were destroyed in the deluge.

Authorities have placed restrictions in and around Lal Chowk in Srinagar to foil an anti-government protest by traders against the alleged delay in rehabilitating victims of the last year’s flood. Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) Chairman Showkat Chowdhary, Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation KTMF) President Yasin Khan and other trade union leaders have been debarred to hold any anti government protests. Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has condemned the govt action on trader bodies. Separatist leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Yasin Malik and Syed Ali Geelani have been put under house detention.

Traders alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi rejected offers of help from international community a year ago. They said till now PM has not fulfilled his promise to help flood affected Kashmir. Opposition National Conference Acting President Omar Abdullah has also alleged apathy on the part of the current government in adequately compensating and rehabilitating the flood victims.