KL Report
SRINAGAR
Residents of various flood-affected areas in city centre Lal Chowk have staged sit-in protest at various places against government’s “indifferent” attitude towards their woes. Hundreds of residents of Maisuma, Koker Bazar, Maharaja Bazar, Batamaloo, Bara Pathir, whose houses have suffered huge damages and developed cracks, are on the streets seeking rehabilitation.
“We don’t want their 35 or 50 kg rice, we want shelter,” said Mohammad Yaqoob, a resident of Maisuma. “Why isn’t Deputy Commissioner (DC) showing his face? Bring him here,” he shouted out to the police officials who were present at the spot.
Despite the intervention of top police officials, the residents are unmoved. The protesting residents have also erected barricades and blocked road, causing massive traffic jam in the strife-torn heart of the city.
“Government has so many buildings, why can’t they shift us there?” asked Maimoona, a middle aged lady. “I have come here with my unmarried daughters. We fear living in cracked houses. Please do something,” she said.
The residents also alleged that relief and funds meant for the flood affected isn’t reaching them.
“Crores of rupees have been sent for flood survivors, but we haven’t seen a penny,” said Nazir Ahmad, whose house at Maisuma collapsed during floods.
The protests were on, when this report was filed.
