The
Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following
statement:
The
Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its serious concern at the severe damage
and loss of lives in Jammu &
Kashmir due to heavy snowfall. Avalanches
buried a number of villages in the Qazigund area of the valley. Normal life is
paralysed in many parts of the valley. A
large number of people are stranded on both sides of the Jammu-Srinagar National
Highway.
It
is unfortunate that the state administration remained paralysed in the early
days when the heavy snowfall took place causing havoc.
There is a severe scarcity of foodgrains, kerosene oil and other
essential commodities. In the badly-hit areas such as Waltangu and other
affected areas, it was the local people who undertook rescue measures and
organised relief.
The
Polit Bureau demands that the Central government step in a big way to organise
relief and rehabilitation in the state. The
armed forces must be pressed into service for rescue operations and for
reaching the areas cut off. Essential
commodities must be airlifted to all the affected areas and
steps taken to restore communications.
An
important lesson from this disaster is the need to upgrade the Jammu-Srinagar
National Highway based on the proposals made as far back as 1995.
Compensation should be given to all those who have suffered losses of properties and
lives in their families.