SRINAGAR: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Sunday expressed profound grief over the loss of lives and widespread devastation caused by cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides in Rajouri, Surankote and other parts of the Pir Panjal region, while calling for comprehensive rehabilitation of affected families and stronger disaster preparedness measures.
In a statement, Sadhotra conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the natural calamity, describing the tragedy as one that had left several families shattered and many others displaced.
“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.
He also prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls and wished a speedy recovery to those injured, expressing hope that normalcy would be restored in the affected areas at the earliest.
Sadhotra appreciated Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for closely monitoring the situation and ensuring prompt rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures in the affected areas. He said the swift response of the government, district administration, police, SDRF, NDRF, Army and other rescue agencies had helped save lives and provide timely assistance to people affected by the disaster.
He lauded the rescue personnel for working under adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain to evacuate stranded residents, provide medical aid and restore essential services.
Calling for collective efforts to assist the affected population, Sadhotra urged voluntary organisations, social groups and well-wishers to supplement the government’s relief operations by extending support to families in distress.
He stressed the need for adequate compensation and comprehensive rehabilitation for those affected, while calling for the restoration of damaged roads, drinking water supply, electricity and communication infrastructure on a priority basis.
Highlighting the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, the National Conference leader said climate-related disasters were becoming more common and underscored the need to strengthen disaster preparedness and mitigation mechanisms in vulnerable regions.
He called for improved early warning systems, more resilient infrastructure and greater community awareness to minimise future loss of life and property.
Expressing solidarity with the people of the affected areas, Sadhotra said the National Conference stood shoulder to shoulder with them during the crisis and would continue to support all efforts aimed at relief, rehabilitation and the welfare of those impacted.
He expressed hope that coordinated efforts by the government, administration and the people would help the affected areas recover from the devastation at the earliest.
