Srinagar: The Government on Sunday said that around 7000 people have been affected due to cross-LoC shelling at Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
In a statement issued here, a government spokesman said that in view of prevailing situation, Minister for Disaster Management, Relief Rehabilitation & Reconstruction and Floriculture, Javaid Mustafa Mir took stock of the facilities being provided to the families residing in the make-shift camps.
“The Minister was informed that around 7000 people have been affected due to the cross-LoC shelling in the area.”
The Minister directed Deputy Commissioner and SSP, Baramulla to monitor the facilities and arrangements being provided to the inhabitants of Churunda, Silikote, Mothal, Hatlanga, Shoura Balkote, and Tilawari who have been evacuated from forward areas and are residing in Rehabilitation camp established at Govt Girls Higher Secondary School Uri. Earlier army said that it was providing all facilities including food and sleeping bags to the affected people.
The minister further directed the District Administration to take firsthand account of the problems being faced by the people living in make-shift accommodation and ensure on spot redress. Clear cut instructions were passed to the concerned officers to provide suitable accommodation, food, water, power, medical and sanitation facilities to the people residing in the camp, Mir said and added that ambulance and bulletproof vehicle will also be made available to meet any exigency during any escalation of situation along LoC.
He also directed DC for keeping SDRF people ready for any emergency situation.
Regarding the loss to property due to cross-LoC shelling, the Minister directed the DC to ensure that the assessment of the damaged property is made as soon as the situation improves and relief is provided for the damaged property as per norms.
Another PDP minister Abdul Haq visited Uri to assess the situation owing to frequent shelling in the area forcing many families to migrate.
Talking to media, the Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law and Justice said the people of valley especially those living near the LoC and International Border were the worst victims of cross-border shelling. He urged both the countries to end hostility for the sake of the human lives and start a sustainable dialogue to resolve issues.
“Earlier, the Minister visited Government Higher Secondary School Uri where several families are putting up who have migrated owing to shelling along LoC. He was accompanied by DC Baramulla and SSP Baramulla and other senior officers of the civil administration and Police.”
The minister directed the officers to make necessary arrangements for the migrants and provide every facility to them during their stay in the camps. He assured the families that government will take every possible step for the safety and security of the civilians.
On the occasion, SDM Uri, Dr Sagar D Doifode apprised about the situation and also informed him about the steps being taken to provide various facilities to the migrants in relief camps.