Ground Report

Srinagar, August 04 (Scoop News)-Condemning the acts of dividing society on sectarian and communal lines, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Sunday said that elements behind these tensions expand their activities soon elections draw nearer. He said they want to polarise the society, create conflicts between various sections, sects, faiths, regions and castes keeping eye on votes.
Talking to a delegation of Majlis-e-Tahfuz-e-Itihaad (MTI) constituted by the civil society recently to pacify the tension in some villages of Budgam and nurture the brotherhood between Shia and Sunni Muslims, the Chief Minister while cautioning about the nefarious designs of the elements behind the sectarian clashes announced one month’s free ration for the effected families in the recent sectarian trouble in some villages of Budgam district.
The Chief Minister told the delegation led by MTI Chief Coordinator, Agha Syed Mujtaba here on Sunday that Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir will be Nodal Officer for assessing the damages caused to various families in the clashes so that a comprehensive rehabilitation programme is launched for their rehabilitation. He said the Divisional Commissioner will be given directions to complete the damage assessment report within the shortest possible time so that rehabilitation of the affected families will start as soon as possible.
Assuring all possible help of the government for rehabilitation of the affected families, the Chief Minister said that timber and other construction material for the affected families will be made available for reconstruction of the damaged houses. He said Horticulture, Agriculture, Rural Development and Revenue departments would be asked to dovetail their schemes to help rehabilitation of the affected families and restoration of their agriculture and horticulture activities.
Expressing deep grief over the loss of a human life and damage to the property during the clashes, Omar Abdullah asked the delegation to play their important role in nurturing brotherhood, love and affection between various sections of the society. He also asked them to remain vigilant against the elements who propagate trifle incidents into conflicts between two groups just for their personal benefits.
The delegation demanded comprehensive rehabilitation for the affected families and help from various departments through their specialised schemes. They also raised the issue of releasing those who have been arrested while dealing with situation created in these villages due to sectarian tension and are not involved in any serious act or crime. The Chief Minister told the delegation that he would ask the Police Department to review their cases and release those who are not involved in serious acts and crimes after obtaining assurance from their families that they would not repeat their troublesome and peace disturbing actions.