APSCC urges Kashmiris to help flood-hit Punjab

Srinagar, Sep 18: Expressing concern over the plight of people in Punjab following the recent devastating floods, the All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) on Wednesday appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to extend all possible help to the flood-affected.

In a statement, APSCC Chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina said people irrespective of faith and religion should come forward and support those in distress, adding that such a gesture would send a strong message of love, compassion and brotherhood.

“In 2014, when Kashmir was hit by floods, the people of Punjab came out in full support of their Kashmiri brethren. Hundreds of trucks carrying food grains and essential commodities reached the Valley from Punjab. Today, when Punjab is reeling under floods, it is our duty to reciprocate and stand with our Punjabi brethren,” Raina said.

The APSCC Chairman said that some individuals and organisations had already begun contributing but stressed that more collective efforts were required to ease the suffering of flood victims.

He made a special mention of Balbir Singh, a Srinagar resident, who has donated 350 tents, 250 tarpaulin sheets, and 100 mattresses for the affected families in Punjab. Raina urged civil society, religious groups, business bodies, and individuals in J&K to come forward at this “critical juncture” and help the people of Punjab rebuild their lives.