Srinagar, Jun 10: A delegation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) led by General Secretary M.A. Baby visited the Uri area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district to meet families affected by recent cross-border shelling.
The delegation includes MPs Amra Ram, K. Radhakrishnan, John Brittas, Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharyya, S.U. Venkatesan, A.A. Rahim and MLA Kulgam, MLA Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami.
During their visit to the Trade Facilitation Centre in Salam Abad, Uri, a temporary shelter for affected families, the delegation expressed deep concern over the plight of the people living in border areas.
“The Prime Minister’s rhetoric won’t compensate for the suffering of the people. Huge destruction has taken place, and no compensation is coming. Families are living in small rooms, which is unacceptable,” General Secretary Baby told reporters.
The delegation met with families who have lost their homes and livelihoods due to the shelling. They were told that an eight-member family had been given a single room, highlighting the need for better rehabilitation and compensation.
“The government says it’s doing big packages, but what about those who are suffering? What is the status of their package?” the CPI(M) leader asked. “We want to know what the government is doing to address the issues faced by the people living in border areas.”
Baby said the Prime Minister did not even attend two all-party meetings. “Instead, he was busy giving lectures elsewhere,” he said. “This lack of attention to the people’s plight is concerning.”
He added, “We are not among those who make false promises. We are not among those who give assurance. We have only come to make a plea. The government should take immediate action to address the issues faced by the people living in border areas.”
Speaking to reporters, M Y Tarigami said the party’s MPs will raise these issues in both houses of parliament. “We will not let the government’s apathy go unnoticed. We demand a special session of parliament to discuss the issues faced by border communities,” he said.
The CPI(M) delegation demanded that the government take immediate action to provide secure places and safe shelters to the affected families. They called for proper rehabilitation and compensation for the losses suffered.
The delegation, which is on a two-day visit to Kashmir, will hold a one-day party convention at Tagore Hall in Srinagar on Wednesday, where the party leaders will address the issues faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation’s visit is aimed at understanding the ground reality and highlighting the concerns of the people living in border areas, Tarigami said.
