CM Omar Abdullah visits fire-ravaged Marwah Kishtwar, pledges increased relief & aid for victims

Srinagar, Oct 17: The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday visited Kishtwar's Marwah village to meet the victims of a recent devastating fire. Omar expressed deep concern and reassured them that their plight would not go unnoticed.

"It was our responsibility to reach out to the people here and make them realize that they are not alone in this difficult time. It is our responsibility to help them and make them live in a new way," Omar told reporters as per news agency KINS, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring the victims receive the aid they deserve.

While acknowledging the efforts made by the government and administration to deliver initial relief, he announced an increase in the amount of relief provided.

He also revealed that he had made an appeal for additional support under the Prime Minister's Relief Fund, expressing hope that this would provide much-needed assistance.

CM went on to outline plans for further aid, specifically under the Prime Minister Awaaz Yojana scheme. "I should have said in my speech that under Prime Minister Awaaz's scheme, they will also be helped under that scheme so that they can get money and re-establish their structures," he said, recognizing the victims' urgent need to rebuild their homes.

Responding to concerns about the lack of basic facilities such as bathrooms, Abdullah emphasized the importance of restoring homes first. "The bathrooms will be made when the houses are made. It is my duty to make their houses built first. What will we do with the bathrooms if they don't have a roof over their heads?" he stated.

Omar Abdullah reiterated that his focus was on providing immediate relief to the victims rather than political gains. "As I said in my speech, I have not come here to do politics. Today, we have to get people out of the destruction that has happened. And we will do that," he assured.

The visit by CM Omar Abdullah comes at a time when Kishtwar's Marwah region is grappling with the aftermath of the fire, with affected families struggling to rebuild their lives.