Uri, October 9
The UPA Chairperson, Ms Sonia Gandhi, here today assured all possible help from the Central and state governments to the quake victims in Jammu and Kashmir. Ms Gandhi was accompanied by the Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, the Urban Development Minister, Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, and the Chief of Army Staff, Gen J.J. Singh. Chief Minister Mohammad Sayeed was also present. They visited the quake-hit areas of Uri and Tanghdhar, the worst hit in north Kashmir.
Ms Gandhi and other senior Congress leaders, including Ms Ambika Soni and the Chief Minister, his ministerial colleagues and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti visited the injured at a medical camp here and addressed a public meeting.
Mr Pranab Mukherjee and Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad assured of all possible help to those affected, in the construction of houses, shops and business establishments. Mr Mukherjee said the Army was doing good job in rescue and relief operations.
While the Central Government has provided a relief of Rs 100 crore, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has provided Rs 42 crore to overcome the rescue and relief measures.
Earlier, Ms Gandhi and the Defence Minister arrived in Srinagar this morning to take stock of the situation arising out of the devastating earthquake.
Describing the loss as “tremendous,” Ms Gandhi told the survivors that whatever is needed would be done by the Centre. We will send relief material to the Jammu and Kashmir Government.
“I know you all are in immense pain at present. We are with you and will extend all sort of help, be it rebuilding houses, treating the injured, erecting tents or constructing shops,” she said.
In Srinagar, she told reporters that the immediate focus of the Central and state governments was to provide food and shelter, specially tents and blankets.
