Kashmir Floods: Defence forces heroics expose separatists, intellectuals The defence and security forces have emerged as the saviours of the people of Jammu Kashmir, who are facing the worst flood of the century. These security forces heroic efforts have saved tens of thousands of lives in the last three-four days. The much hated Indian Army is doing a commendable job across the flood-hit Kashmir Valley. It has reached even the remote corners of the state with rescue equipments and other essential goods to save people facing death. In the worst hit state capital Srinagar, the Army, Indian Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Navy and other paramilitary forces have been rescuing thousands of marooned civilians and some stranded tourists. These brave men have been risking their own lives to save the people, fully knowing that the same people whom they saved might throw stones and hand grenades at them once the situation returns to normal. The rest of India is hoping that the heroic, humanitarian efforts of our defence forces will change the perception of the local Kashmiris about our military, which is demonized by various vested interests. The defence and security forces have emerged as the saviours of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, saving tens of thousands of lives. The defence personnel have carried plane loads of medicine, food, clothes and other essential materials to different parts of Srinagar and other affected areas. They are still trying to rescue people from the rooftops and other flooded houses. Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag has made a statement that his men will not return to their barracks till the last person is rescued. According to local people, the inability and indifference of the Omar Abdullah government is mainly responsible for the loss of lives and flood. The government failed to gauge the situation and prevent the flooding. Despite several warnings and requests, the state government actually did nothing to prevent the catastrophe. The All Party Hurriyat Conference, the umbrella body of the Kashmiri separatists, which thinks that it is the sole representative of Kashmiri people, is missing from the action. Not a single leader of the Hurriyat has so far come out to help the agencies in relief and rescue operations. According to some locals these separatists are hiding at their flood proof comfortable homes. A few Kashmiris are trying to do something. But their effort is limited only to the social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. There have been inhuman tweets by some local Kashmiris about the Army even during the crisis. Some are rejoicing the death of some Army personnel and loss to their Army establishments due to flood. Many people feel that even though the ordinary people of Kashmir are happy with the efforts of the Army, vested interests like Hurriyat and others who survive and thrive by abusing Indian government and the people, dont want to admit that. They fear that it will end their free run. People in rest of India hope that the ordinary Kashmiris will realise that their one and the only saviour is Indian government, not the separatists and fly by night intellectuals. =================================== Nawaz Sharif thanks Narendra Modi for flood-help offer; Army evacuates 20,000 in Jammu Kashmir TNN | Sep 8, 2014, 09.37 PM IST NEW DELHI: Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday for the latters offer to help in Pakistan in flood relief operations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Sharif said such solidarity in the face of adversity is admirable. On Sunday, Modi had offered help to Pakistan in rescue and relief operations in PoK, which has been reeling under the severe floods in the region. Making the offer after undertaking a visit to flood-hit Jammu Kashmir for a first-hand assessment of the situation, Modi expressed anguish at the loss caused in PoK. While reviewing the situation in Jammu Kashmir, I was informed that the damage to life and property is equally, if not more, severe in areas across the line of control as well. My heart goes out to the affected people and my deepest sympathies are with them and their families. In this hour of need, I offer any assistance that you may need in the relief efforts that will be undertaken by the government of Pakistan. Our resources are at your disposal wherever you need them, said the PMs letter which was delivered by the Indian high commissioner in Islamabad. Army evacuates 20,000 Meanwhile, the flood situation in Jammu Kashmir remained grim on Monday despite reports of water receding from some areas in the state. Rescue missions are going on in full swing across the state with the Army, Air Force and Navy along with the NDRF engaged in rescue and relief operations. According to defence ministry statement, the Army has evacuated nearly 20,000 people hit by the floods from different regions the state. The Army has deployed 205 columns for rescue and relief work and given away 4,000 blankets and 90 tents to victims of the worst floods to hit the state in half a century. The Army also distributed 23,000 litres of water and 600kg biscuits in the flood-affected areas, the statement said. It said 60 medical teams of the Armed Forces Medical Services had swung into action. Navys marine commandos rescued around 200 people at Haigaon on the Srinagar-Sopore highway. Naval diving teams are on standby in New Delhi, Mumbai and Vishakhapatnam to proceed to Jammu Kashmir. A total of 45 aircraft and helicopters have been pressed into service. The ministry said 85 tonnes of medicines have been airlifted for the flood victims and 16 relief camps had been set up in the state. The Indian Air Force has rescued 1,245 people using helicopters and transport aircraft. So far 140 sorties were undertaken by the helicopters and aircraft and 155 tonnes of relief materials have been dropped. Road, telecom network to be restored in J&K soon The government has said restoration of road and telecommunication network in the Kashmir valley will take three to five days. The Centre has directed free flow of transport via Manali and Leh to Srinagar, the only available surface network, a top central government official said in New Delhi on Monday. The three highways connecting Kashmir with Jammu have been damaged badly and the Border Roads Organization has assessed the damage and conveyed that it will take at least five to seven days for their restoration, the official said. Works are going on war footing for restoration of BSNL telecommunication network which is expected to be normal in next three days. Facing problems of connecting even top state government officials, the Centre has dispatched 15 high frequency wireless sets to Srinagar today and is expecting that the wireless service will be restored by Monday night. (With inputs from IANS and PTI) =========================== Source: ibnlive.in/news/kashmir-floods-defence-forces-heroics-expose-separatists-intellectuals/497480-3-245.html
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 09:19:15 +0000
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