Government Process of Rehabilitation of Flood Victims 'Absolute Failure': Shutdown in Kashmir

Traders expressed 'deep shock and disappointment' on billing of relief and rescue operations

People of Kashmir are observing a complete shutdown on Monday against what they term as 'absolute failure' of the government in the process of rehabilitation of flood victims.

Dozens of protesters were detained near Clock Tower in Lal Chowk as they attempted for a protest march.

The traders body accused the BJP-PDP run state government as well as the central government for failing to rehabilitate the flood victims despite assurances and instead used the victims' situation to gain political mileage.

The former NC-Congress run government had asked the centre to assist the state with Rs 44000 crore packages, which the central government denied stating reasons that it was not prepared with 'groundwork'.

Soon after the state was hit by floods, PM Narendra Modi announced Rs 1100 crore as immediate disaster relief followed by Rs 745 Crore announced in October. The centre further announced a relief package worth Rs 1667 crores earlier this year in June. From the package, however, Rs 500 crores was deducted as a bill for relief and rescue operations undertaken by Army and Air Force during the floods.

The traders in the state later expressed 'deep shock and disappointment' on billing of relief and rescue operations.

The traders in the valley decided to commemorate the first anniversary of September 2014 floods as 'carnival of destruction' following which they called for the shutdown.

The strike call was endorsed by other trader associations, both factions of Hurriyat, Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), Kashmir Bar Association and Private School Association.

The shops and other business establishments, schools, colleges, offices and transport services have also remained shutting owing to strike call given by Traders Body Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), which has planned a protest demonstration in Lal Chowk.

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