National Conference Additional General Secretary and former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today expressed profound grief and anguish over the loss of precious lives and widespread devastation caused by cloud bursts, landslides and flash floods in Rajouri, Surankote and other parts of Pir Panchal area.
Expressing heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, Sadhotra in a statement said the tragedy has caused immense pain and suffering, leaving several families shattered and many others displaced.
He said the loss of innocent lives is irreparable and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls. “My heart goes out to every family that has lost a loved one in this devastating natural calamity. I share their grief and pray that they are blessed with courage and strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he said.
Sadhotra also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incidents and hoped that normalcy would be restored in the affected areas at the earliest.
Sadhotra appreciated the Chief Minister, Jenab Omar Abdullah, for closely monitoring the situation and ensuring swift rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures in the affected areas. He said the prompt response of the government, district administration, police, SDRF, NDRF, Army and other rescue agencies helped save many precious lives and provided timely assistance to people in distress.
He lauded the commitment of the rescue teams, who worked tirelessly despite adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain to evacuate stranded people, provide medical assistance and partly restore essential services.
Sadhotra said natural disasters demand collective resolve and called upon all sections of society to extend every possible support to the affected families. He urged voluntary organisations, social groups and wellwishers to supplement the government’s relief efforts by reaching out to those in need. He stressed the need for providing adequate compensation and comprehensive rehabilitation to the affected families, besides ensuring restoration of damaged infrastructure, roads, drinking water supply, electricity and communication facilities on a priority basis.
The former Minister also emphasized the importance of strengthening disaster preparedness and mitigation mechanisms in vulnerable areas.
He said climate-related disasters are becoming more frequent and there is a need to enhance early warning systems, improve infrastructure resilience and increase community awareness to minimise the loss of life and property.
Sadhotra expressed solidarity with the people affected by the calamity and assured them that the National Conference stands shoulder to shoulder with them in this difficult hour. He said the party has always stood with the people during every crisis and will continue to support all efforts aimed at their relief, rehabilitation and welfare. Reiterating his sympathies with the bereaved families, Sadhotra prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls, speedy recovery of the injured and strength to the affected families to overcome this tragic phase. He expressed hope that with coordinated efforts of the government, administration and the people, the affected areas would recover from the devastation at the earliest.