'Pay relief to 2005 earthquake victims in J

Srinagar, June 1 (UNI) Concerned over the reports that a large number of 2005 earthquake victims had not yet been paid relief, the the Petitions Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has directed the revenue department to furnish full information regarding the number of sufferers who were disbursed relief and pending cases as on date.

An official spokesperson said today that the committee which met under the chairmanship of Congress member Yogesh Sawhney has directed the revenue authorities to ensure immediate disbursement of relief to all the remaining victims of the earthquake that rocked various parts of the State.

He said the committee members discussed two petitions, one filed by Shuban Krishan Kachroo for compensation of land and other filed by the earthquake victims of Gurez areas seeking ex-gratia.

The Committee examined these petitions in depth and directed the revenue authorities for taking immediate remedial measures.

Almost 1,400 people lost their lives and thousands of houses, schools and other structures were razed to ground in the October 8, 2005 earthquake. Major damage took place in Uri and other north Kashmir areas.

The Committee also asked the Assembly Secretariat to issue final notice to the petitioner Mr Kachroo for his personal appearance before the Committee in its next sitting to decide his petition.

UNI BAS ATI AS1414