Omar Abdullah led Govt’s proactive role in distributing financial aid and land allocation for victims of floods: Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary

• Commends NC’s Jammu Provincial team, for Effective Coordination During Natural Disaster Response, reach-out: Rattan Lal Gupta

JAMMU: Senior National Conference leader and Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir,Surinder Choudhary highlighted the swift and effective response of the Omar Abdullah-led government in reaching out to the people of Jammu with timely relief and rescue efforts following the devastating floods and landslides in the region.

Speaking at the party’s provincial headquarters, Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan in Jammu, senior National Conference leader Choudhary addressed a series of public and individual delegations from various parties across the Jammu division. Delegation members from different districts of Jammu province commended the hands-on approach of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, his cabinet colleagues, and the party’s provincial leadership for their widespread and effective outreach to families affected by recent floods and landslides.

The delegations expressed appreciation for the government’s proactive engagement with both the administration and the public during these challenging times. Echoing these sentiments, Choudhary highlighted that Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced an ex-gratia of ₹6 lakh (₹4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund and ₹2 lakh from the CM’s Relief Fund) for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the recent landslide near Mata Vaishno Devi and other flood-related tragedies in the past two days across Jammu and Kashmir.

Additionally, the Chief Minister has approved assistance ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh for families whose houses were damaged in Kathua. Recognizing the plight of those rendered homeless by the disaster, he has further announced the allocation of five marlas of land to each flood-affected family that lost their homes and land due to landslides and flash floods, enabling them to rebuild their lives.

“Ever since these tragedies struck the Jammu region, our Chief Minister has been at the forefront—visiting affected areas either by foot or helicopter. In contrast, those who claim to be the well-wishers of Jammu have been conspicuously absent on the ground. Despite being in power at the Centre, they failed to bring even a single rupee in aid for the people,” Choudhary said.

He added, “All ongoing relief and rescue operations are being carried out solely by the elected government of Jammu and Kashmir. From Kathua to Kupwara, the scale of destruction has been unprecedented. Torrential rains have damaged over 350 bridges, around 2,000 km of road network, thousands of hectares of agricultural land, and have devastated both public and private infrastructure. Yet, despite the magnitude of the disaster, we are still awaiting a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package from the Centre. The BJP's local leadership must answer: why have they failed to approach the people of Jammu?”

“Today, the people of Jammu look to Omar Sahib with hope,” Choudhary asserted. “His unwavering commitment and unprecedented outreach in times of crisis has earned him the trust and respect of the people.”

Rattan Lal Gupta Provincial President Jammu also lauded the efforts of the National Conference’s provincial team, and praised the active role played by zonal, district, and provincial leaders, including elected DDCs, BDCs, YNCs, and the party’s student wing, SC Cell, OBC Cell and women wing, in acting as a vital bridge between the administration and the people during this humanitarian crisis.

Gupta assured that the Omar Abdullah-led government remains committed to completing the rehabilitation mission and restoring normalcy to all affected areas, ensuring that people can rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Among others who were present included: Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Provincial Secretary Jammu, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, S. Tejinder Pal Singh Aman Provincial President YNC Jammu, Abid Magrey District President Ramban, Rakesh Singh Raka, Rita Gupta Vice Presidents Central Zone, Shamim Begum DDC Dansal, Shama Akther former Corporator, Vikram Puri Chairman Trade and Industry, Sail Ali Lambardar, Ch. Rafiq, Arunpal Singh, Ramesh Kumar District President Jammu Urban SC Cell, S. Didar Singh Block President Pouni, Zaffar Choudhary Adv, Majid Iqbal Naik and others.