DPAP delegation visits earthquake hit areas in Chenab Valley: “Slams govt for not providing relief to victims’

Srinagar, June 21: On the instructions of its Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) a delegation led by Vice Chairman G.M.Saroori, Chief Spokesperson Salman Nizami, Zonal President P.R.Manhas, Distt President Asif Gattu on Wednesday visited various areas of Bhaderwah, Kahara, Gundoh of Chenab Valley to interact with earthquake victims and to have firsthand account of public issues. The leaders visited various earthquake victims and expressed concern over the delay in providing of assistance to those whose houses have been declared “unsafe” by authorities. A number of structures, including residential homes, were damaged in a 5.4-magnitude earthquake in Chenab valley areas on 13 June, this year, followed by nine aftershocks of mild intensity. Due to tremors, number of houses have developed cracks and authorities have declared these structures unsafe to live in. During its visit, various public delegations called on DPAP leaders and apprised them about various civic issues. The leaders gave them patient hearing and assured that they would use their good offices to get redressal of public grievances. In an effort to press for the adequate compensation for earthquake victims, the DPAP leaders staged a protest demonstration at Kahara. They also called on the Kahara Tehsildar and apprised him about public grievances and demand of earthquake victims. DPAP has been pressing for assessment of the damage in earthquake hit areas and adequate compensation to the victims. It also protested against the stopping of free ration to the poor, reduction of monthly ration quota and imposition of property tax, demanding immediate rollback of all “anti-people” measures, Vice Chairman G.M.Saroori said. DPAP demanded immediate government intervention and the sought establishment of a committee of seismologists and scientists to undertake a scientific study on the recurrences of tremors in the Chenab Valley. Later, the DPAP leaders visited the home of DPAP party member and BDC Chairman Jakyas, Amina Begum who left for heavenly abode on Monday. The leaders expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to departed soul. Among others who were part of visiting delegation include Aaif Gattu Distt President Doda, Farooq Shikari Secretary Province, Block President Ab Majeed, DDC Iqbal Kohli, Zonal Gen Secretary Iqbal Malik, Ch Saifullah Media Coordinator, Haji Shahdin and others.