Politicisation of relief on, govt claims false: Mufti

Receding waters may be easing up the government, but it faces a deluge of allegations from opposition Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti, who on Friday accused it of "politicisation of relief material" and "rehabilitation efforts a sham".

Receding waters may be easing up the government, but it faces a deluge of allegations from opposition Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti, who on Friday accused it of "politicisation of relief material" and "rehabilitation efforts a sham".


"The claims made by the government about relief efforts are mostly confined to the announcements," she alleged.


She said areas in south Kashmir, Srinagar city and other parts of central and north Kashmir continue to be inundated. "The main business centers around Lal Chowk, Badshah Chowk, Hari Singh High Street, Residency Road, Moulana Azad Road continue to be filled with water, with the result the shops and business establishments are not able to revive their activity," said Mufti.


Mehbooba said dewatering challenge was also frustrating people in many villages of south Kashmir where houses could collapse now. “Floods have already devastated their standing crops, fruit and vegetables. The government is still unable to comprehend the impact of the floods and extent of devastation, which is being compounded now by administrative inaction," she alleged.


The PDP president also alleged that most relief is being done on community level. "In the recently held all-party meeting, it was suggested that the relief material be distributed through community and religious institutions but nothing of that sort has been done so far creating lot of problems," she said.


Mufti alleged some politicians "were trying to use the relief mater sent by government of India to promote their own political interests, which was unfortunate and condemnable."

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