Govt must act beyond meetings, photoshoots: Hakeem Yaseen urges relief package for flood-hit J&K

• Expresses grief over widespread devastation, seeks urgent assessment, compensation and rehabilitation measures
• Welcomes MHA team in Jammu, demands similar assessment in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) President, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, has expressed deep grief and concern over the widespread devastation caused by the recent floods that have engulfed almost every corner of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement issued here, Yaseen said the unprecedented floods have left people in immense distress, causing loss of lives, damage to houses, destruction of agricultural land, and severe losses to the horticulture sector. “The situation is alarming as many precious lives have been lost. Vast tracts of land stand damaged, crops have been washed away, and numerous houses have collapsed,” he observed.

Yaseen came down heavily on the government for its inadequate response, accusing the administration of merely convening meetings without taking practical measures on the ground. “People are suffering every day while the authorities appear more interested in photo opportunities than in extending genuine help. What the public needs right now is real action, not symbolic gestures,” he remarked.

He also criticized what he called “publicity-driven tours” of ministers and officials posing for photo shoots on the banks of flood-hit water bodies, instead of engaging in concrete measures. “The administration should avoid wasting time on these staged events. The priority must be to stand with the affected people, assess their losses and provide them with urgent relief,” Yaseen said.

 The PDF President stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive relief package from the central government to address the large-scale devastation. He demanded that damages be assessed immediately and compensation delivered to affected families without delay. “Those who have lost their loved ones must be provided adequate relief, and displaced families should be rehabilitated at the earliest,” he said.

Drawing attention to the heavy losses suffered by the horticulture sector, Yaseen pointed out that apple orchards—the backbone of Kashmir’s economy—have been extensively damaged. “The Horticulture Department must dispatch teams to conduct an on-spot assessment and ensure that orchardists receive compensation in proportion to their losses,” he emphasized.

Yaseen also called upon the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to depute a special team to Jammu and Kashmir to assess the damages caused by the floods. He said a transparent evaluation by central authorities is essential to ensure proper rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts.

“The government must act decisively at this critical hour. Practical measures on the ground are far more important than high-profile meetings and photo sessions. The people of Jammu and Kashmir expect immediate relief, rehabilitation, and restoration,” Yaseen added.