Srinagar, Aug 31 : Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Omar Abdullah–led government, accusing it of failing to respond to the devastation caused by recent floods and landslides in Jammu region.
“The Kashmir government is neither serious nor is it able to find any means,” Sharma told Kashmir News Service (KNS). “For the last 15–17 days, heavy rains, cloudbursts and flash floods have destroyed houses, land, crops and infrastructure across Jammu. People have lost lives, livestock and homes, yet the government here has failed to restore even basic services,” he added.
Sharma said areas including Chisoti, Vaishno Devi Adkumari, Riyasi, Mahore and Ramban’s Rajgarh had reported loss of life, while in Jammu district alone, families were left without shelter. “For 5–7 days now, electricity has not been restored, water supply remains disrupted and roads are still blocked. The government has to be proactive, it has to work very fast,” he said.
By contrast, Sharma praised the Centre’s response, saying that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was visiting Jammu to assess the damage on the Prime Minister’s directions. “Whenever there has been a disaster, the Indian government and especially our Prime Minister Narendra Modi have helped J&K with an open heart. But Omar’s government has not matched that seriousness on the ground,” he said.
On compensation, the LoP said existing relief under the SDRF and CM’s Relief Fund was inadequate. “For a fully damaged house, Rs 1.35 lakh will not even lay a foundation. The government must come forward with an open heart. The meagre amounts announced are no relief. Only a substantial package from the Centre can ensure rehabilitation,” Sharma said.(KNS)
