D. Raja condemns separatists for hindering Kashmir flood relief operations

Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D Raja on Wednesday deplored separatists for allegedly creating roadblocks in army rescue efforts in flood-hit Jammu and Kashmir.

Raja remarks came after reports said that Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik and his supporters had allegedly tried to disrupt an army rescue operation in flood-hit Srinagar.

"This is highly deplorable. They should not disrupt relief and rescue work. In fact, the army and all other security forces are doing a commendable job in rescuing the people and providing relief, the Army and other security forces must be congratulated," Raja told ANI.

"If people want to help they all should associate with the Army to deliver relief materials on time that is what one should do. This is a moment of a challenge and all sections and all political parties, all democratic movements, people's organizations must come together, stand united, work together and help people, this is what people need," he added.

He also asked such groups to desist from doing any politicking on such issues.

"It is not a moment for doing politics. Politicking should not take place at this point of time. People need help, people need rescue and people should help the army," he further added.

A video of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Yasin Malik surfaced on Monday in which he allegedly asked voluntary relief workers not to distribute food items, as only JKLF can operate in that particular area.

Malik and his team later allegedly looted the relief materials and boats of aid workers and started distributing the items among the victims.

The JKLF chief, however, has reportedly denied all such allegations.