Parties pledge to rebuild flood-ravaged Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar: Pledging to rebuild the lives and livelihood in flood-hit Jammu and Kashmir, political parties on Saturday came together to issue a joint appeal to individuals and organisations within and outside the state to help affected people in "every possible way". A resolution was passed at an all-party meeting, convened by state Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to deliberate over flood crisis response, which expressed complete solidarity with the affected people and firmly resolved to rebuild the lives, livelihoods, private properties and public infrastructure.

PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, Congress leader Saifuddin Soz and BJP's Jugal Kishore were among those who attended the meeting. The political parties appealed to all individuals and organisations within and outside the state to come forward to help the people of the state in every possible way, it said while appreciating the contribution of civil society bodies, NGOs, self-help groups, individuals and other stake-holders.

It also conveyed appreciation for the support given to the state in the hour of crisis by the government of India and its agencies, including army, air force and NDRF. The all-party meeting expressed deep condolence over the loss of precious lives in the unprecedented floods which struck the state, the resolution said.

All political parties expressed deep sympathies with those injured and displaced and those who suffered on account of the calamity. After the meeting, Abdullah said all parties were supportive of the rescue and relief operations. He appreciated the fact that the parties came together and sent out a joint message.

"If NC and PDP can sit together and send out a joint message, if BJP and Congress can sit together and send out a joint message, rest of the people too can join hands in this hour of crisis," he said.

He said that several good suggestions were made by different parties. Main opposition PDP presented a 10-point programme. Mehbooba said this is "no time to do politics" and first priority is rescue and rebuild. "Everyone, the rich and the poor have been affected." She said that there should be a joint appeal at national and international level for whatever help can be provided.

One of the suggestions was that all MPs should contribute five per cent of MPLAD funds for reconstruction of the state.