Discrimination in relief among communities

KAMALKOT: The relief distribution in Uri, the worst-hit belt in the October 8 earthquake, has triggered divisions among communities, with politicians allegedly promoting their vote bank or clan. As a result, many victims are unable to fulfil even their basic needs.

"The impression outside is that truck loads of relief material are daily going to Kamalkot village, but this needs to be corrected," said Irshad Khan, a villager from Kundi Barjala. He said his family got just got one blanket and a few food items. His village was given four tents, instead of some 250 required.

Kamalkot is surrounded by seven hamlets: Sarai Bandi, Jabra, Mardiyan, Dulanga, Shahdara, Kundi Barjala and Sultan Daki. The villagers blame Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Taj Mohiuddin for diverting relief to his "vote bank," comprising mostly Gujjars. "The relief distribution has been politicised," said Mohammad Altaf. Mohammad Hussain, an elderly person, said: "The area has been unfortunately divided on community basis which is not good." The Paharis were being discriminated against. Repeated attempts to contact Mr. Mohiuddin, who is also the local MLA, failed.

Similarly, the villagers charged Shia leaders and Srinagar-based organisations involved in relief work with "dividing" them. There was complete indiscipline in relief distribution.