Ensure equal treatment in ex-gratia relief for Kashmir tragedy victims: AIP MLA

Srinagar, Jan 07: Senior Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) leader and MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad on Tuesday raised serious concerns over what he termed unequal treatment in providing ex-gratia relief for victims of tragedies in Kashmir province.
While visiting Uri to console the family of five who tragically lost their lives in the Pandrethan incident, Sheikh Khursheed pointed out that the government’s response has been inconsistent.
According to a statement issued to KNS, he said the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha had announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of victims affected by the cloudburst in Kishtwar, along with additional relief under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). However, similar tragedies in Kashmir, such as the Pandrethan fire and the Tangmarg incident, have not received the same level of financial assistance or administrative attention.
“This disparity in relief measures is deeply concerning. Are the lives lost in Kashmir less valuable? Why is there a delay in announcing similar compensation and support for these grieving families?” Khursheed asked.
The MLA further said, “The government must act with fairness and consistency. Tragedies, irrespective of location, deserve equal compassion and support. It is heartbreaking to see families in Kashmir suffering without any substantial aid, while similar incidents in other regions receive immediate attention.”
Sheikh Khursheed called upon the administration to ensure parity in relief measures and urged the Lieutenant Governor to immediately announce ex-gratia relief for the families affected by the Pandrethan and Tangmarg tragedies. “Justice delayed is justice denied. The people of Kashmir deserve the same care and concern as any other region in Jammu and Kashmir,” he asserted.