LoP Sharma accuses Omar-led government of failing to respond to flood affected areas with adequate relief

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 31 (STC):
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah–led government has failed to respond to the devastation caused by recent floods and landslides in Jammu region, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma said today.
“For the last 15–17 days, heavy rains, cloudbursts and flash floods have destroyed houses, land, crops and infrastructure across Jammu. People have lost lives, livestock and homes, yet the government here has failed to restore even basic services,” Sharma said.
He said areas including Chisoti, Vaishno Devi Adkumari, Riyasi, Mahore and Ramban’s Rajgarh had reported loss of life, while in Jammu district alone, families were left without shelter. “For 5–7 days now, electricity has not been restored, water supply remains disrupted and roads are still blocked. The government has to be proactive, it has to work very fast,” Sharma said.
He said existing relief under the SDRF and CM’s Relief Fund was inadequate. “For a fully damaged house, Rs 1.35 lakh will not even lay a foundation. The government must come forward with an open heart. The meagre amounts announced are no relief. Only a substantial package from the Centre can ensure rehabilitation,” Sharma said.
Meanwhile, Sharma was all praise for the Centre’s response, saying that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was visiting Jammu to assess the damage on the Prime Minister’s directions. “Whenever there has been a disaster, the Indian government and especially our Prime Minister Narendra Modi have helped J&K with an open heart. But Omar’s government has not matched that seriousness on the ground,” he said.
(Straight Talk Communications)