Congress prays for good health for Mrs Gandhi; greets people on Janmashtami.

Congratulate the UPA government for passing the food security bill

Jammu, Aug 27: - In an impressive Awami Darbar on Tuesday here at Chatroo, district Kishtwar, Senior Indian National Congress Party (INC) leader and MLA Inderwal G M Saroori had wished Chairperson UPA and AICC president Smt. Sonia Gandhi for good health.

Saroori said India's most powerful politician and the leader of the ruling Congress party alliance Mrs Gandhi is in a stable condition in hospital now.

Smt. Sonia Gandhi was taken to AIIMS when she felt unwell during the Lok Sabha proceedings to discuss the Food Security Bill on the evening of Monday 26th August 2013.

He also Congratulate the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for passing the food security bill saying it a historic and bold effort by centre government.

Saroori said Food Security bill will provide cheap food grain to 82 crore people in the country, ushering in the biggest programme in the world to fight hunger.

“Food security bill has been designed for the good of the people”, Saroori maintained.

He thanks those who voted in support of the bill, and in particular laud Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ambica Soni who was instrumental in bringing the bill," Saroori said.

In a Public Darbar Saroori called upon the people to cooperate with the administration for carrying forward the developmental agenda of the Former J&K Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Centre as well state Government is committed to provide all basic facilities to the people and also urged upon the officers to speed up the process of resolving public issues with professionalism.

Saroori also extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Janmashtami.

Mr. Saroori said the occasion would be harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity and hoped that it would also strengthen the bond of amity and communal harmony among people of the state.

The prominent among those present in the meeting were CEO Kishtwar Rajinder Singh, Tehsildar Chatroo Mosin Ahangar, BDO Chatroo Seema Parihar, XEEN R&B Chatroo Mohd Asraf Gilkar, XEEN PMGSY Chatroo Sunil Kumar Thussu, CDPO Chatroo Qaiser Bhawani, TSO Chatroo Tariq Ahmed, BMO Chatroo Dr Yaqoob, Naib Tehsildar Chatroo Irshad Ahmed, ZEO Chatroo Vidya Prakash, AEE PDD Sudhir Sharma, AEE PHE Nasir Malik, SHO Chatroo Farooq Khateeb, Sarpanches of Chatroo block, Congress Leaders and people in large.

Saroori annihilates J&K BJP 90 staunch workers join Congress

Jammu, Aug 26: - Around 90 workers of the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) including Bushan Lal, Joginder Kumar, Som Nath, Ashok Kumar, Moti Lal, Poshker Nath, Roshan Lal, Daleep Kumar, Kunj Lal, Tilak Raj and others joined the Indian National Congress (INC) at impressive function here on Monday in presence of Senior Congress Leader and MLA Inderwal G M Saroori at Chatroo, district Kishtwar.

Describing there joining Congress as returning home, BJP workers reposed faith in the policy, programme of Congress the vision and ability of its leadership.

They said Congress stands for unity, brotherhood and amity of the three regions of the State and various sections of the society.

They said the visionary leadership of dynamic leader G M Saroori has given new dimension to the policy of Congress to achieve the goal of Naya and Khushal Chenab Valley (Erstwhile Doda district) and political stability and prosperity in the region.

They said Congress has always remained heart-beat of people of the State and enjoys overwhelming support in every area, region of the State. They said the goal of peaceful and prosperous J and K could be achieved if all likeminded and people friendly leaders strengthen Congress and its leaders.

They praised the contribution of Congress in the socio-economic transformation of the State, saying the party has been pioneer in implementing revolutionary programmes aimed at improving the conditions of the people, especially those living in remote and backward areas.

Welcoming the new entrants into party fold Saroori expressed hope that newly joined worker would work with enthusiasm and energy to give fillip to the policy programme of the Congress.

“Let me assure you that Congress is not a party only for membership, it is a party of relationship”, Saroori added
Saroori welcomed them and asked them to strengthen the party and work for the betterment of Chatroo and district Kishtwar. He also asked them to join hand with the party workers in their endeavor in bringing success to all Congress candidates in the District.

“Forget the past, let us move forward and march together for the good of the people”, he maintained

Saroori assured them to come up to their expectations and continue the developmental works.

The prominent that were present on the occassion Congress Block President Chatroo Ghulam Qadir Sheikh, Congress Tehsil President Ghulam Qadir Tappal, Sarpanch Association Chatroo Tariq Wani, Local Congress Leaders including Piyaray Lal Sharma, Gh Mohd Kohli, Ch Noor Din, Mohd Amin, Abdul Rashid Bhawani, Gh Mohd Reshi, Daleep Kumar, Roshan Lal, Bidya Lal, Vice President Youth Congress Sheikh Basharat, and others.

DY CM Chairs meeting at Thathri

Thathri, Aug 25: Reiterating resolve of the government to upgrade rural infrastructure, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand today said focused attention is being paid to development of remote and backward areas. He said work on the road map to address development aspirations of those living in far-flung areas has already begun results of which have started becoming visible on ground.

“With active support from the union government mega projects have been launched in the state for all round development of every nook and corner of the state besides ensuring equitable development of all regions and sub-regions,” he added

Former Minister and MLA Inderwal G M Saroori, SSP Doda Arif Rishu, CEO Kishtwar Rajinder, CEO Doda Rather, ZEO’s and other sectorial officers, Congress Block Presidents, local Congress leaders were also present in the meeting.

While speaking on the occasion MLA Inderwal G M Sarooi appreciated people of Thathri and Doda for strengthening and upholding of age old tradition of brotherhood and communal harmony among various sections of society. Saroori impressed upon the people of Thathri and Doda to stay united and unveil the nefarious designs of anti-national elements who are making efforts to destroy the harmonious atmosphere of the society.

Speaking on the occasion DY CM Tara Chand said that peace is the only path through which the desired and multifaceted growth and social development of the state can be achieved and under peaceful atmosphere the Government can focus on the developmental activities for the benefit and welfare of the people which is not possible if the peace deteriorates.

On the occasion speakers put forth various demands including separate education zone for Khara area of district Doda, staff for government schools, clean drinking water, early start of construction of 50 bedded hospital which was announced by Union Health Minister G N Azad last year, lack of staff in Thathri Hospital and other day to day problem.

Deputy CM reiterated that the Government is commitment to provide all the basic amenities to the people and said that the coalition government is making all out efforts to mitigate the grievances of the people beside said their genuine demands will be redressed soon.

Several join Congress in Inderwal

Jammu, August24: - Describing the joining of NC, PDP, BJP workers as a "major jolt" for the parties in Inderwal, the spokesman said they were motivated by the people friendly policies of the Former Congress Minister and MLA Inderwal G M Saroori.

Local Leaders from NC, PDP, BJP including Bashir Ahmed, Abdul Qayoom, Nazir Ahmed Mattoo and Dev Raj joins Congress party in front of Mr. Saroori at his residence here at Kishtwar.

New Entrants attributed their joining into Congress to the miserable attitude of NC, PDP and BJP towards public concerns adding that the parties are only in search of occasions to ignite tension between various sections of the society by exploiting their sentiments on one or the other pretext.

They said that the lucidity and truthfulness in the politics of Congress and the dynamism of Senior Congress Leader and MLA Inderwal, G M Saroori to seek equitable development, peace and prosperity for the area and have made them to join Congress and work for the welfare of people of Kishtwar-Doda area.

Welcoming in Congress, the Former Congress Minister and MLA Inderwal G M Saroori said that Congress is the voice of people. “It has always stood for the people and will continue to represent the aspirations of all the sections of the society”, he added.

Saroori welcomed the decision of the NC, PDP and BJP workers to join into the Congress describing it a right decision at a right time.

“This would help the people of Inderwal Constituency in all spheres of development”, he maintained.

Saroori said "Congress will give due honour to each worker". He expressed hope that with the joining of the workers, the Indian National Congress will strengthen its base at the grassroots level in the area.

He asked them to serve the people and spread the programmes and policies of
the Indian National Congress at the grassroots level. He added that Congress is committed to the overall development of the area.

Among others who were present on the occasion included Akhtar Hussain Tatani, Mohammad Iqbal Keen, Ghulam Qadir Sheikh, Ratan Lal, Bashir Ahmed Sheikh and others.

Saroori visits Dargah Shah Asrar-Ud-Din Wali, prays for peace in J&K

Offered flowers at the shrines

Kishtwar, Aug 23: - Former Congress Minister and MLA Inderwal G M Saroori on Friday visited the famous Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Asrar-Ud-Din Wali Ziarat in Kishtwar a day after the day curfew was lifted from Kishtwar town.

“Saroori offered prayers seeking for the peace, prosperity and tranquility of state and Kishtwar District”.

He performed other rituals at Hazrat Shah Asrar-Ud-Din Wali Zirat along with by Dargah's spiritual head Syed Riyaz Ahmed. Mr. Saroori also offered flowers at the shrines.

Hazrat Shah Asrar-Ud-Din Wali is regarded as one of the foremost Sufis of the Kishtwar. He brought people of diverse persuasions on the same platform. Shah Asrar-Ud-Din has been a symbol of communal harmony and togetherness.

After offering prayers at shrine, Saroori visited the grave of his father Saidullah Saroori and offered prayers there as well. Ghulam Mohammad Saroori’s father was a renowned social worker, has served as Sarpanch of Sarthal for over 20 years and was famous for his secular and social activities in Chenab Valley.

Peace march by Saroori at Kishtwar

Appealed not to give an ear to rumors and defeat the designs

Kishtwar, Aug 21: - In order to diffuse communal tension and to strengthen the religious brotherhood, Senior Congress Leader and MLA Inderwal G M Saroori (Former Minister) today peace march from Dak Bunglow to District Hospital Kishtwar (Kishtwar town).

Saroori meet various people and made appeal not to give an ear to rumors and defeat the designs of those who want to divide the society on the name of religion.

He urged upon people to maintain peace and brotherhood to defeat the designs of vested elements and not to ear rumor mongers.

Saroori underlined the need of peace and brotherhood among different sections of society for the growth and development of the region. He exhorted upon the people to work for the peace and progress of the region and frustrate the designs aimed at vitiating the peaceful atmosphere.

He said those who are responsible for violence in Kishtwar must be given exemplary punishment so that such incidents don’t occur in future.

Saroori also directed the district administration of Kishtwar to ensure adequate supply of food, medicines and other essential commodities to the people of Kishtwar district.

Congress congratulate Azad for best Health Minister of India since 1947

JAMMU, Aug 18: - Congress today congratulates Union Health Minster and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad who has been voted as the most popular and best Health Minister the country since 1947.

In a joint statement Senior Congress Leader and MLA Inderwal G M Saroori, General Secretary Thakur Jughal Bhandari, Block Presidents including Mohd Iqbal Keen, Ghulam Qadir Sheikh, Asgar Khangi, Mohd Iqbal Teli, Chowdhary Rafiq. Secretaries and Sarpanches including Mushtaq Ahmed Hap, Ravi Shan, Noor Hussain, Mahinder Singh Parihar, Tariq Wani, Akhtar Tatani, Sarfraz Khan, Gh Qadir Tappal and others had congratulate Mr. G N Azad for his great success.

The Congress Leaders said this information came forth during a survey conducted by Zee TV channel on the popularity of present Ministers in the UPA led Government in their respective areas.

The survey was aimed to bring forth a ‘dream Cabinet’ based on popularity of leaders among the masses and Ghulam Nabi Azad has been ranked on top of the popularity chart of all the Health Ministers country has ever produced.

The Congress leader said that the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minster is a very seasoned politician with a clean public image who has brought revolutionary changes in the health sector across India.

The Leaders had requested Azad now to look after the J&K affairs as well because state like Jammu and Kashmir are going through tough time added that "Azad is the only one who can handle the situation".

Saroori lauded Army for controlling situation at Kishtwar

Visited district hospital to enquire the health of injured in recent in violence.

Mahila yatris approached Saroori for help and passage.

Kishtwar, 14 August: - Senior Congress Leader and MLA Inderwal G M Saroori, today said the prevailing conditions of district Kishtwar and lauded the role of Army, RR, Civil administration and police in controlling the situation.

He stressed that the blame game must be stopped and we need introspection. We should understand that no one from outside will come to solve our problems.

Saroori urged every citizen irrespective of religion, caste, and creed to maintain law and order besides maintaining the communal harmony. We must not let the vested interests to prevail upon the situation. The people should thwart the vested nefarious designs of the ridden society. The spark neglected burns the house, befits the administration as things might not have fall if the timely action would have taken place.

Saroori appeals the public of Kishtwar to abide by the law and order at any cost by exposing the black sheep and maintain the peaceful environment. The former minister maintained that the way now “Police and civil administration is showing its activeness by enforcing the curfew and curbed the situation should have been controlled from the day one of the violence.

He regrets the loss of precious human lives and huge public and government property. The communal Violence must not be tolerated at cost irrespective of religion.

Common man is at receiving end he prayed to almighty for peace and tranquility in district. “Who will give the guarantee of protection for a common man is a million dollar question” Saroori maintained. Let us work for peace above party likes and give befitting reply to such forces that are hell bent to sabotage peace and development. It is possible only by conceited efforts by maintaining brotherhood in real spirit. Kishtwar was renowned for its brotherhood once upon a time. “Iss ghar ko aag lag gaey ghar kay chirag say”.

Saroori lauded the Army role for controlling the situation and said that it was only after Army intervention that the situation is under control.

The stranded Mahila yatris of Galhar kishtwar and other parts of the district approached Mr Saroori who in turn with the help of Army and Administration ensured their protection and safe passage to their destination.

Saroori also visited District Hospital Kishtwar to enquire about the health of those injured in clash on 9th and 10th of August 2013 and demanded the immediate compensation for the injured besides demanding the compensation for the loss of public property immediately so that the effected may resume their business again.

He enquired the doctors about the status of injured and directed them to extend best Medicare to them for their early recovery. He also extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of deceased of Arvind Kumar son of Des Raj Bhagat and Basheer Ahmed Sheikh s/o Ghulam Mohd Sheikh R/o Sangrabatta and Nassa Khan s/o Mohamadu R/o Paddar and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls. He also talked to Congress Leader Udhampur Shakeel Shah to visit commant hospital to know well being injured shifted there.

Meanwhile Saroori have also extended his heartiest felicitations and good wishes to the people of the Jammu and Kashmir State on the occasion of 66th anniversary of the Independence Day.

In a message, Saroori said that the Independence Day was an occasion when all of us should make resolve to realise the dreams of martyrs who sacrificed their lives to achieve country's freedom. It is an occasion to pay tribute to them.

He also appealed to the people to resolve to evolve a harmonious society through mutual trust, understanding and goodwill.

Saroori greets people on Independence Day.

Kishtwar, 14 August: - Senior Congress Leader and MLA Inderwal G. M. Saroori today have extended his heartiest felicitations and good wishes to the people of the Jammu and Kashmir State on the occasion of 67th anniversary of the Independence Day.

In a message, Saroori said that the Independence Day was an occasion when all of us should make resolve to realise the dreams of martyrs who sacrificed their lives to achieve country's freedom.

It is an occasion to pay tribute to them.

He asked the people to imbibe the spirit of nationalism and patriotism which was the essence of a strong nation.

He also appealed to the people to resolve to evolve a harmonious society through mutual trust, understanding and goodwill.

Communal Clash in Kishtwar on Eid-Ul-Fitr

Both the community to strengthen their relations to defeat the nefarious designs of the anti-social elements

Kishtwar, 09 August: - Senior Congress Leader and MLA Inderwal G M Saroori on Friday called for maintaining communal harmony in Kishtwar as some vested interests are bent to create disturbances and disturb the peaceful environs.

Reports said that people were coming from Bandirna, Hullar and Kuleed to offer congregational Eid prayers at historic Chowgan ground to offer Eid-Ul-Fitr prayers this morning, people from other community allegedly pelted stones and hurled abuses. This resulted in the altercation which led to the communal tension between the two communities in Kishtwar.

Middle of the prayers few people set fire to many vehicles outside the Eidgah. Soon after the prayers stone pelting began, Liquor shop, and hotel in Kishtwar were set fire.

Panic has gripped the area where dozen people have reportedly been injured

Saroori appealed the people to maintain communal harmony and foil the designs of anti-social elements.

“Peace and harmony is the prime requirement for the growth and social development of the state”,

He said “peace is the only path through which the desired and multifaceted growth and social development of the State can be achieved and under peaceful atmosphere the Government can focus on the developmental activities for the benefit and welfare of the people which is not possible if the peace deteriorates”.

Saroori asked both the community to strengthen their relations to defeat the nefarious designs of the anti-social elements that are bent upon to disturb the peace and prosperity in the region.

He had also expressed sadness over the turn of events that led to clashes on the auspicious occassion of Eid-Ul-Fitr and appealed for peace and calm.

To control the situation, the district administration called in army and imposed curfew in the area.

Saroori greets people on the auspicious occasion Eid-Ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr comes after a month of fasting, a period of soul elevation.

Kishtwar, 08 August: - Senior Congress Leader and MLA Inderwal G M Saroori (Former Minister) has greeted people on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr on Thursday.

In his message Saroori said “Eid-ul-Fitr comes after a month of fasting, a period of soul elevation in which the essentials of faith are rejuvenated. These include Islam's message of peace and fraternity of all humankind".

Saroori said that the festival evokes feelings of brotherhood, compassion and sharing in all and strengthens the pluralistic bonds of the country's composite society. He also said that the auspicious occasion brought to the fore the noble instincts in people.

May the values that Muslims throughout the world venerate during Ramadan-charity, sacrifice, and compassion – point the way to achieving freedom, tolerance, and peace among all peoples.

“May this year's Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations strengthen mutual goodwill and inspire each one of us to follow the path of love, compassion and is marked by the spirit of brotherhood and sacrifice," he said.

I wish all Muslims a blessed and joyful celebration. Eid Mubarak,"

Saroori condole sad demise of G M Malik and Amina begum death.

Visited Maliks Chatroo residence to personally expressed solidarity.

Kishtwar, 07 August: - Senior Congress Leader and MLA Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori today expressed deep grief over the sad demise of Ghulam Mohammad Malik a social activist from Chatroo area of district Kishtwar.

Saroori visited the Chatroo residence of late. Mr Ghulam Mohammad Malik Wednesday morning to personally expressed solidarity with the bereaved family conveyed his sympathy.

He described late Ghulam Mohammad Malik as pious and down to earth social activist who throughout his life tirelessly worked for the betterment and uplift of the down trodden sections of the society.

Saroori also condole the sad demise of Mtr Amina Begum, mother of correspondent Daily Kashmir Uzma from Gondoh distrcit Doda Mohammad Ishaq Aarif who passed away at her residence Bhalessa Gandoh after prolonged illness.

He remembered the departed soul as a noble lady who lived a pious life.

Saroori prayed to the Almighty Allah for blessing peace to the departed souls beside a place for them in heaven. He also prayed to Almighty Allah to give strength to the family members of the deceased to bear irreparable loss.

Vested interests tend to malign me and my image, as the people are not ignorant because truth finally prevails: - Saroori

Directed the administration of twin district Kishtwar and Doda for the proper arrangement of essential commodities for Eid.

Jammu, 06 August: - Senior Congress Leader and MLA for Inderwal Mr. G M Saroori (Former Minister) today while addressing a press conference here at his residence in Kishtwar said that the vested interests initially tried to implicate me falsely and when I came clear under the ambit of laws, they again tried to harm me in one or the other way, as they are well aware that I am not a yes man and do not fall under influences.

I am representing the people irrespective of their caste, creed, and religion and People have reposed faith in me all the time. I cannot dodge them. I exposed all those whose policies, and agenda which is anti people and bereft their basic rights. I have stood all the time for their welfare and will do the same in future. People judge the things via performances not by false and airy promises. 

To gag my voice for the poor and innocents they are trying to use various machineries and tactics to falsely implicate me and started a propaganda to malign my image which I will never allow to do them at any cost because the voices are true, clear, and for the benefit of whole society irrespective of any cast and creed. For their utter frustration the people are aware and well versed and knowledgeable and have the power and will to thwart their mollified anti people intentions at any cost.

I am not afraid of such people, whose anti people approach has harm the society and the truth has itself exposed their ill intentioned designs. They think they will gag my true, genuine, pro-people voice-then they are living in fool paradise. I am first accountable to Allah and then to people. In democracy, you cannot use fascism and try to gag the truth which ultimately prevails.

I warn such elements to stop stooping so low for their uttermost work for people as such vested acts & interests have already exposed them. For them I will say “Look who is talking”?

He further mentioned that the Food security bill is also needed in State like Jammu and Kashmir which is beset with poverty. The Food security ordinance is there now it is to be passed in parliament. After passing the ordinance, the same bill needs immediate implementation in J&K as well, as it can benefit below poverty line (BPL) people. Poverty line needed to redefine practically as urban yardstick can’t be applied in rural and rustic areas.

Saroori further urged the government and civil administration to increase patrolling in rural area to check and curb the fear psychosis unleashed by miscreants in the whole district.

He also directed the administration of twin district Kishtwar and Doda for the proper arrangement of essential commodities for Eid and prayed to almighty Allah for peace and serenity for the whole region and further urged them assesses the damages on war footing caused due to recent earthquakes.

Politicians must respect and support honest and performing bureaucrats and they should not be made the political scapegoat for ulterior as well interior motives.

We can’t blame Centre government for our competence. We have liberal and abundant funding from Central government but unfortunately the mismanagement and lack of political will is lacking here for that, we can’t take people for granted and snatching their rights, enough is enough, judiciary as well as media is compelled to do job of executive to deliver justice to common.

DRSC reviews functioning of education deptt

JAMMU, AUGUST 05: A meeting of Departmental Related Standing Committee of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council was held today under the Chairmanship of MLC, Mr. Naresh Gupta to review the functioning of Education Department.

Members of the DRSC Committee, Mr Ajat Shatru Singh, Mr Jugal Kishore Sharma and Mrs Rani Gargi Blowria besides special invitee, G M Saroori were present in the meeting.

Threadbare discussion was held on functioning of the department and the physical and financial achievements registered, so far. Besides, performance under various flagship programmes being implemented in the state, schools upgraded and infrastructure created under RMSA was also deliberated upon.

Taking a review of ongoing projects, the members exhorted the need to ensure regular monitoring and coordination between education department and executing agencies for time bound completion of the projects .They recommended taking up of construction and upgradation works of institutions in rural areas and ensure equitable allocation in terms of funds and creation of physical assets.

The committee directed the concerned to ensure filling up of vacancies under SSA is completed within two months and clearance of panel under RET within one month. The Director School Education was asked to take up the cases under SRO43 on priority and dispose of the clear cases within next two weeks.

The meeting also held detailed discussion on present transfer policy and gave valuable suggestions for making the policy more transparent to ensure that adequate staff is deployed in all the schools.

The Committee also directed the concerned CEO’S to conduct regular inspections of the ongoing works and institutions and submit a report in this regard on regular basis.

Saroori called upon Azad seeks financial assistance for quake-hit Doda-Kishtwar.

Demanded Sub-centres for Erstwhile district Doda.

New Delhi, 04 August: - Senior Congress Leader and Former Minister G M Saroori (MLA Inderwal) met Congress leader and Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in the capital to discuss latest political, development scenario and relief package for quake hit area Doda-Kishtwar belt of Jammu region. The talks come after two day continuous earthquake jolt Erstwhile Doda district.

Saroori informed Azad that in May this year, Erstwhile district Doda witnessed 37 tremors. In July, there were as many as five quakes in Bhaderwah, Doda, Kishtwar areas. Five quakes and aftershocks have been witnessed in the same area in August and the area has been rattled and has suffered immense damages due to tremor quakes.

Saroori requested Azad to use his good office for getting the relief package sanctioned for renovating damaged houses ahead of winter session and distribution of relief on the pattern adopted in Leh, 2010 flood victims beside called for putting in place the disaster management mechanism to meet any eventuality.

He also demanded Sub-Centres for Erstwhile Doda district as since 1987 no new sub-centre has been established in the erstwhile district Doda, Poonch, Rajouri, Kupwara, Baramullah, Anantanag and Udhampure districts. To improve the health facility in the hilliest, remote and backward area Saroori demanded at least 60no Sub-centres for each constituency of Erstwhile district Doda.

Azad gave patient hearing and said in order to augment the rural health services, I had already announced setting up of 600 new health sub-centres in the uncovered areas of the state and soon Sub-Centres will be established and priority will be given to backward uncovered areas of the state.

He also said he (Azad) is in continuous contact with National Disaster Measures Authority (NDMA) and with the experts, for taking preventive measures to save public life and property in the event of natural calamity and the cause behind these quakes in the areas.

Azad assured Saroori that he will talk to Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi regarding relief package for quake hit area of Jammu And Kashmir State.

Congress appeal to the government to sanction the package for the people of the Chenab Valley; distribution of relief on the pattern adopted in Leh, 2010 flood victims

Congress advised National Conference so called leaders against shedding crocodile tears.

Jammu, 03 August: - A moderate intensity earthquake, measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale shook Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar and Doda districts and parts of the Valley today, a day after a similar quake hit the region.

In a joint statement issued here, Senior Congress Leader and MLA Inderwal G M Saroori, MLA Ramban Master Ashok Kumar, MLA Chenani Krishan Chander, MLC Naresh Kumar Gupta, MLC Sham Lal Bhagat, State Secretary JKPCC Thakur Jughal Bhandari, Block Presidents and Secretaries of both the districts including Mohammad Iqbal Keen, Ghulam Qadir Sheikh, Mohammad Iqbal Teli, Ch Abdul Rashid, Piyaray Lal Sharma, Akhtar Tatani, Sarfraz Khan, Asgar Khangi, Mushtaq Ahmed Hap, Mahinder Singh Parihar and others demanded that earthquake-hit Doda, Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir should be brought under the National School Safety Project (NSSP) that will help in mobilising resources in case of a natural disaster," they said. With an effective management plan, people can minimise the damage caused by these events," they added.

“The thrust has to be laid on the disaster management preparation. This area has witnessed many earthquakes and should be prepared for the disaster management,” Congress said. People are living in very bad conditions. They have lost their homes, animals and farms so we ask the Centre and State government to help the victims to survive," "People are starving and they are not being provided enough aid," they said.

The party Leaders said "Who's helping the victims? No one! They are left to die in the open. And now these rains are adding to their misiries,” Congress leaders added. They asked the district administrations of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban and Congress leaders of block and district level to reach out to affected people and mobilise resources for rebuilding the damaged infrastructure. “The Government at the highest level should come forward to help people.”

The Congress leaders said so called National Conference leaders are exposed before the public and they are playing with the sentiments of the sufferers for the personnel political interests. “The people know about the facts even National Conference in Erstwhile Doda district tends to remain ignorant and behave like an ostrich”, they maintained. They advised so called leaders National Conference not to shed crocodile tears.

 “The need of the hour is to reach out to the affected people (in Doda and Kishtwar) with relief and that is important, not a time to play to the galleries and politics with the sufferings of the people of Erstwhile Doda district,” Leaders said.

MLA Inderwal G M Saroori also alleged that state government has announced 3 month free ration in May 2013 for quake victims but yet not distributed in Tehsil Chatroo of district Kishtwar. He demanded immediately distribution of ration among the quakes victims.

The Congress leaders appealed the Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh, Chairperson UPA Smt. Sonia Gandhi to sanction the package for the people of the Chenab Valley and also requested the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to use his good office for getting the package sanctioned and distribution of relief on the pattern adopted in Leh, 2010 flood victims.

In May this year, Erstwhile district Doda witnessed 37 tremors. In July, there were as many as five quakes in Bhaderwah, Doda, Kishtwar areas. Five quakes and aftershocks have been witnessed in the same area in August.

It is pertinent to mention that state government has failed to learn a lesson from the devastating earthquake of October 8, 2005, which claimed over 80000 lives on both sides of Kashmir.

Keep the bonds of communal amity high: Saroori

Cloud burst at Chatroo, Saroori demanded relief on Ladakh pattern.

Srinagar, 1 August: - MLA Inderwal G M Saroori (Former Minister) today expressed his concerned over the situation arisen in Bhaderwah during past three days. He said that it was handiwork of some vested interest who are hell bent upon to create disturbances and disturb the peaceful environs in home town of Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad which saw incomparable development process along with other areas of the state during his tenure as Chief Minister of J&K.

Saroori further said that the situation will lead to nowhere in turn will affect future prospects of tourism exploration as also ensuing Yatras of Kailash yatra, Mela Pat and Machail Yatra. He expressed his concern over the sad situation on behalf of Ghulam Nabi Azad who spoke to him on phone and was also in constant touch with District as well as state Administration.

He requested both the communities to keep the bonds of communal amity high so that ill intentions of vested interests are thwarted and appealed the people to maintain peace in Bhaderwah town.

Saroori expressed his untimely death of one Chuni Lal s/o Thakur Das r/o Gwari Sigdi who died due to cloud burst at in the Sigdi and Sigdi bhata area of tehsil Chatroo district Kishtwar. Regarding the damages caused due to cloud burst which caused extensive damages to orchards, rice and maize fields, damage to Masjid Shareef and 2 km long stretch of Sigdi Bhata washed away leaving the people without any source of income. Due to heavy devastation people as per him are under severe panic.

He requested state government and district administration to give three months ration to the sufferers and sanction of besides, assessment of damages so caused and grant of relief on Ladakh pattern.

Saroori also urged upon the government to grant relief to the earthquake victims of Doda and Kishtwar district who suffered a lot and are still under psychological pressure as the everyday or the other they got a jolt.

He urged the government to sanction free rations to the left over people of inhabitants of Chatroo tehsil as the people being poor enough and are posed to hardships due to recent natural calamity.