Vested interests polarise society as polls draw nearer: CM Announces one month’s free ration for Budgam families affected in sectarian clashes Srinagar, August 04: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Sunday said the recent sectarian clashes in Budgam district were fueled by vested interests for vote bank politics. He also announced one month’s free ration for the affected families in some villages of the district. "Elements behind these (sectarian) tensions expand their activities as soon as elections draw nearer. They want to polarise the society, create conflicts between various sections, sects, faiths, regions and castes keeping eye on votes," Omar said. The chief minister was talking to a delegation of Majlis-e-Tahfuz-e- Itihaad (MTI) constituted by the civil society recently to defuse the sectarian tension in some villages of Budgam. Omar told the delegation led by MTI Chief Coordinator, Agha Syed Mujtaba that Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir will be Nodal Officer for assessing the damages caused to various families in the clashes so that a comprehensive rehabilitation programme is launched for their rehabilitation. He said the Divisional Commissioner will be given directions to complete the damage assessment report within the shortest possible time. Assuring all possible help from the government for rehabilitation of the affected families, Omar said timber and other construction material will be made available to the affected families for reconstruction of the damaged houses. He said Horticulture, Agriculture, Rural Development and Revenue departments would be asked to help rehabilitation of the affected families and restoration of their agriculture and horticulture activities. Expressing grief over the loss of a human life and damage to the property during the clashes, Omar asked the delegation to help nurture brotherhood between various sections of the society. The delegation demanded comprehensive rehabilitation for the affected families and help from various departments through their specialised schemes. They also raised the issue of releasing those who have been arrested while dealing with situation created in these villages due to sectarian tension and are not involved in any serious act or crime. The chief minister told the delegation that he would ask the Police Department to review their cases and release those who are not involved in serious acts and crimes after obtaining assurance from their families that they would not repeat their troublesome and peace disturbing actions.
Posted on: Sun, 04 Aug 2013 23:10:58 +0000