Srinagar city worst hit in deluge: Geelani

Chairman Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani on Wednesday said that Srinagar city witnessed worst floods in September which impacted every sphere of life.
“Srinagar has been worst hit during recent flood fury and its markets and business establishments lost their glory. Srinagar was a business hub but recent floods have turned it into a ghost city and it has lost its glory, grace and splendor. Even after lapse of two moths situation in Srinagar is still grim and gloomy. New Delhi and state authorities feel no sympathy for those affected during deluge. Instead, they hurriedly jumped into election fray. Their approach towards these people is callous and insensitive,” said Geelani in a statement.
Referring to a news report about authorities offering a meagre amount of Rs 3800 to affected families for repair or construction of collapsed houses, Geelani said, “It is a ridiculous and cruel joke with flood victims. How can they manage to repair their lodgings with this meagre amount?”
Taking dig at authorities, Geelani said, “The state collects tens of millions as charges from tax payers and that amount is looted by corrupt bureaucrats. Administration is duty bound to come to the rescue of common people as they pay taxes from their pockets.”
Ridiculing the pro-India parties with special reference to BJP, Geelani said, “They with power, money and influence are bargaining for votes and are spending huge amounts for horse trading. There is no difference between National Conference, Congress, PDP, and Peoples Conference.  All these parties, irrespective of their origin and affiliations, are responsible for strengthening the New Delhi’s illegal and forcible control of the state. These parties are least serious about Kashmir issue and they have no option other than to obey dictates from armed forces.”
Geelani distributed relief cheques worth Rs five lakh and kits containing essential commodities among 50 more flood affected families at amalgam headquarters here with each family getting a cheque for Rs 10000 and a kit of commodities.
“It was the ninth phase of cash distribution to the flood victims by the Hurriyat. Till date Hurriyat has distributed Rs 45 lakh cash and 5000 quintals of rice among 450 deserving families. Besides, beddings and clothes to 7000 flood affected families have also been distributed,” said a spokesman of Hurriyat in a statement today.