Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu: DD, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Chief Tariq Hameed Karra has termed the detention of MLA Doda Mehraj Malik under Public Safety Act (PSA) as unjustified and an assault on democracy and said that the authorities mishandled the situation.
Replying to querries of media persons during his tour of flood affected border areas of R.S. Pura, Suchetgarh, Jammu South today, Karra termed the Malik’s detention under PSA as unjustified and assault on democracy, however he also disapproved the conduct of Malik during his dealings and discourse.
He totally disagreed with the manner the matter was handled by the authorities and said that it erodes the faith of people in democracy.
Referring to the flood situation, JKPCC Chief said that administration lapses and failure, neglect of necessary repairs/ maintenance on regular basis and failure to take timely steps in the past few years aggravated the flood situation, causing great loss to the farmers and inhabitants of the areas, as over 20, 000 kanals of land is reported to have been washed away mainly due to non maintenance, strengthening of embankments and other preventative measures in time.
Responding to the appeal of the people, he urged the government to undertake restoration work on war footing, especially power supply to the pump sets to maintain regular supply of water to the paddy crops. The farmers are distressed due to failure of restoration work.
Karra supported the genuine demands of people and farmers regarding 200 poles for restoration of power to run water pumps, to save paddy crop in Badyal Brahmna area needs immediate attention.
He also demanded waiving of KCC loans and fresh loans on soft terms to farmers, coverage of entire crop loss under crop insurance by relaxation of rules and disbursement of compensation/relief to affected cultivators/tillers of land.
He also raised the issue of Gharana wetland and sought urgent repairs and embankment with Pakistan boundary, laying of crates, bundhs and retaining walls etc required at various places on priority basis.
Accompanied by Working President Raman Bhalla, former ministers Mula Ram, Trilok Singh Bajwa (Ex-MP), Th. Balbir Singh(Ex-MLA), Yash Pal Kundal (Ex-Minister), T S Tony DDC, Amrit Bali, Rajinder Singh Nathu (Minority Cell), Chairman Kissan Congress Bharat Priye, Jatin Raina (Social Media), Pawan Bhagat, Ajaib Moton, Manjit Choudhary and several others Karra undertook a detailed tour of several worst affected areas like Mangu Chak, Chatha, Badyal Brahmna, Dheriyan, Shaanka, Chandu Chak, Behra, Dhokni, Choga, Bega, Abdullian etc. Later, he also visited Mangu Chak, Chatha and Barmeen areas.
While interacting with the people at different places, PCC Chief said that some people have almost lost their whole crops, live stock, houses and damage to their properties besides damage to infrastructure due to devastating rains and floods various roads, culverts, bridges have been damaged or totally washed away, which needs immediate restoration.
He told the people that congress has raised the demands for uninterrupted provision of free rations for six months besides a comprehensive relief, rehabilitation, restoration / reconstruction package from the centre government and termed the 209 Cr package as a cruel joke keeping in view the huge devastation by rains and floods in J&K, especially Jammu Region.DD
