Jammu, Sept 07: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) on Sunday demanded that the Centre declare the recent devastation caused by heavy rains, cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods as a national disaster to facilitate adequate relief, compensation, and proper rehabilitation and reconstruction of damages. The party also called for a mega relief and rehabilitation package from the centre, commensurate with the huge devastation and damage in the Union Territory, especially in the Jammu region.
Addressing a detailed press conference here, JKPCC president Tariq Hameed Karra said the scale of destruction warrants immediate recognition at the national level so that our people can receive the necessary aid and support without delay. He demanded the setting up of a high-level commission of experts to investigate the reasons and contributory man-made factors, including widespread illegal mining, which they believe has contributed significantly to the infrastructure damage and property losses.
Karra, accompanied by other senior leaders, reiterated the demand for an independent probe into the Vaishno Devi pilgrims tragedy, calling for a sitting or retired high court judge to examine the criminal negligence behind the incident and to fix responsibility. “I reject the enquiry committee of officers, because a similar committee set up after the stampede tragedy on January 1st, 2022, failed to ensure justice for the victims,” he said.
The J&K Congress chief added, “The Chashoti tragedy could have been averted if the yatra had been suspended following the weather alert, and if there had been proper infrastructure in place. Even the road to the destination was not completed in the last 10 years, reflecting a total lack of essential facilities for the yatris.” He called for an enquiry committee to look into these issues and submit necessary recommendations.
Karra was flanked by JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla, senior leaders Mula Ram, Balwan Singh, Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, and others, expressing sympathy with those who lost loved ones, livestock, or property.
“It was a natural calamity of immense magnitude. While the total loss of lives might not have been entirely preventable, many could have been saved through effective rescue operations. We commend all those who contributed – our youth congress workers, Seva Dal members, civil society, and media persons – for their heroic efforts. Our hearts go out to the affected families,” he said.
Karra, the MLA from Central Shalteng, criticised the lack of adequate relief, saying, “The government has only allocated Rs 209 crore, which is peanuts compared to the scale of losses. For meaningful relief and reconstruction, an immediate comprehensive mega package should be announced by the Prime Minister, covering individual losses, public property, and infrastructure.”
Taking a swipe at the BJP-led central government, the JKPCC chief said, “Despite tall claims of development and smart city projects, Jammu has become ‘unsmart’. The recent disasters have exposed the hollowness of their claims, with infrastructure projects collapsing and failing to withstand nature’s fury.”
He demanded proper compensation for farmers and major relief measures, including waivers of KCC loans, power bills, free ration for six months, and compensation for livestock losses.
