Bungling alleged in relief distribution among quake survivors

Srinagar, Jan 8 (UNI) Hundreds of 'paharis' of Jammu and Kashmir today took out a protest march here, alleging bungling in distribution of relief among survivors of the devastating earthquake of October 8, 2005.

The protestors, under the banner of Pahari Cultural and Welfare Forum, gathered at the Press Enclave here and marched to Regal Chowk and other areas in Lal Chowk.

About 2000 'paharis' (people living in far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir) also demonstrated in front of the office of the District Development Commissioner, Pulwama M A Kakroo.

They also submitted a memorandum to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad through the District Development Commissioner, Pulwama.

In the memorandum, the 'paharis' alleged that the relief had not reached the quake victims.

''The affected families are still living in sheds and tents. The deserving people are knocking at the doors of the authorities for release of relief payment which had been avoided by the agencies concerned on one pretext or the other,'' it added.

''It is very sad to note that the relief donated by the Centre and various national agencies is dumped at many places at Srinagar without being distributed to the deserving people of Uri, Karnah and other quake-affected areas,'' the memorandum said.

UNI