Srinagar, June 21: A delegation of Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) on the instructions of its chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday visited various areas of Bhaderwah, Kahara and Gundoh in Chenab Valley to interact with earthquake victims and to have a firsthand account of public issues.
The delegation led by party’s vice chairman G M Saroori, chief spokesperson Salman Nizami, zonal president P R Manhas, and district president Asif Gattu visited various earthquake victims and expressed concern over the delay in providing 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 June 13 followed by nine aftershocks of mild intensity. Due to tremors, a number of houses have developed cracks and authorities have declared these structures unsafe to live in.
During their visit, various public delegations called on DPAP leaders and apprised them of various civic issues, the party said in a statement, adding that the leaders assured them that they would use their good offices to get redressal of public grievances.
“In an effort to press for 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 demands of earthquake victims,” the statement said.
DPAP said it has been pressing for an 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, Saroori said.
He 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 the party member and BDC Chairman Jakyas, Amina Begum who left for heavenly abode on Monday. They expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
