J-K floods: Angry locals re-direct fury at state govt to rescue workers, beat up 2

Srinagar, Sept 10: Angry stranded victims of

flood have redirected their anger against the state government to rescue workers. Two rescue workers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were beaten up by angry locals in Srinagar who claimed that help came late.

One of the attacked personnel has been flown to Chandigarh for treatment in a critical state. It is said that the workers were beaten with sticks and their rubber boats were punctured.

In what is considered the worst floods in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian armed forces along with NDRF have launched a massive rescue operation. Recent updates suggest that close to 90,000 people have been rescued while over 6 lakh are still stranded.

A breakdown in phone lines has increased problems in rescue efforts, despite the fact that it has been restored in many areas in Srinagar.

Acknowledging public fury, chief minister Omar Abdullah said,"I understand the anger but it is not true that nothing is happening...this situation is unprecedented."

He further added,"We asked people to move out of their homes and sent vehicles, but many did not do so believing that the water would subside."

OneIndia News