Srinagar, Apr 22 (KNS): Peoples Conference chairman and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone on Monday criticised the government for failing to move beyond “optics” in the wake of the massive destruction caused by heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, and hailstorms across Jammu and Kashmir.
Lone said the inhabitants of Ramban and other affected areas are visibly angry and have run out of patience, as the administration has limited its response to “VIP visits and photo ops” while genuine relief and rehabilitation measures remain missing on the ground.
“Could the government please move beyond optics and the stale, tried, tested, and failed VIP visits? We do understand that it is an unforeseen calamity and some slack in starting relief work is understandable.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelBut the inhabitants are visibly angry and have run out of patience,” Lone said.
“Now that the photo ops are done with, I hope the government has a concrete plan to facilitate relief and rehabilitation,” he added.
Calling for urgent action, Lone stressed that the elected government of Jammu and Kashmir must take up relief measures on a war-footing and recommend to the Centre to declare the calamity as a disaster of ‘severe nature,’ given its scale and intensity. He also urged the government to seek a special package for the rehabilitation of affected families.
“From Ramban to Handwara to Shopian, the story is the same. All photos and no work,” Lone remarked. (KNS)