RAMBAN: Former Member of Parliament and contesting candidate of the Congress party Ch Lal Singh, accompanied by Fairoz Khan, State Youth working president of Jammu and Kashmir and former National president of NSUI, visited Pernote village to assess the aftermath of the devastating land subsidence that has affected more than 50-55 families, with all houses in the 2 km radius damaged to varying degrees. Expressing profound concern over the situation, Ch Lal Singh highlighted the pivotal role played by prompt action and the assistance of the local public, NGOs like Team Umeed, QRT, SDRF and local volunteers in rescuing the affected families. He emphasized the significant impact on agriculture, horticulture, and allied activities caused by the disaster and land has become useless for reuse. During the visit, it became evident that the makeshift shelters, due to continuous rains, have become uninhabitable, exacerbating the challenges faced by the affected families. Lal Singh and Fairoz Khan urged the concerned departments to conduct a comprehensive study of the causes of the disaster, emphasizing their belief that it is a result of man-made activities by dumping of muck into river beds of Chenab and river changed direction and also because no culvert was there on Gool- Sangaldan road. Ch Lal Singh reiterated their demand for immediate relief of Rs 10 lakh to each affected family, land equivalent to the amount lost, and one employment Govt job or in companies and opportunity for each family whose house has been destroyed. They assured the affected families of their unwavering support and pledged to champion their cause to ensure that they receive the necessary assistance and support to rebuild their lives. Fairoz Khan expressed gratitude to Ch Lal Singh for his visit and for raising the voice for immediate relief. He hoped that the authorities would announce relief measures promptly to alleviate the suffering of the affected families. He also stressed for restoration of the Gool-Sangaldan road. Lal Singh and Khan assured the affected families that the Congress Party is steadfast in its commitment to standing with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in times of crisis and working tirelessly for their welfare and upliftment.
