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JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (JKBADC), an organization working for the welfare of border and tribal population of J & K has criticised the administration for what it called an uncaring approach towards the families displaced by the massive landslide in Kalaban village of Mendhar, district Poonch.
According to the organisation, It has been a week since the tragedy, but the affected families have not yet received proper shelter or relief. Around 70 families, nearly 300 to 400 people, were forced to abandon their homes when the land suddenly sank on September 9. Many of them could not even carry their belongings while fleeing.
JKBADC Chairman and former Vice Chancellor Dr. Shazad Ahmed Malik today while addressing a press conference said that the displaced people have been kept in Panchayat Ghars, which are meant for offices and not for living. These buildings have little or no facilities, sometimes not even a washroom, making life especially difficult for women, children and the elderly.
He reminded the government that crores of rupees have been spent over the years on building community halls, but when the need has come, these halls have not been opened. He asked why such buildings are lying locked while homeless families are suffering without a roof. The tragedy has not only left people without homes but also robbed them of their livestock, household items and savings. Many children lost their school books in the rush to escape. According to Dr. Shazad, the sudden loss has left families in deep shock and fear for their future.
Citing Article 21 of the Constitution, he said every citizen has the right to live with dignity. Forcing victims to stay in unsuitable buildings takes away that dignity. He stressed that women, children and senior citizens cannot be treated like cattle and made to survive in such conditions. Dr. Shazad appealed to all political leaders of Mendhar and Poonch to rise above differences and work together for the victims. He said it is not only the responsibility of the MLA but also of those who contested elections, as they too carry people’s trust and votes.
Although the government has deputed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate to supervise relief work, Dr. Shazad pointed out that the officer has no funds or resources of his own and depends entirely on other departments. He urged that money should be released immediately to the SDM so that help can reach the families without delay.
Looking beyond the immediate crisis, he said a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package is urgently needed for the entire Union Territory. Recent floods and natural disasters have shown that every region of Jammu and Kashmir is vulnerable, and unless the administration prepares a long-term plan, public trust in the system will erode further.
