Set aside border, boundary issues to deal with natural calamities promptly: BJP leader Sambit Patra

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sambit Patra on Monday said that whether it is India or Pakistan, the border issues must be kept aside to deal with natural calamities in a prompt manner and save the lives of people in distress.

Commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi offering relief-related help to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), Patra said, "The Prime Minister has rightly said that it is a national calamity and we must look at it from a humanitarian point of view. Whether it is India or Pakistan, we must forget borders and boundaries in the face of a calamity like this that involves human lives and focus on saving lives of the people."

Patra also said that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is a matter of great concern and the deaths of over 100 people is a very grave matter.

He added, "The Prime Minister has announced a relief package of Rs.1000 crores to Jammu and Kashmir and has said that more funds will be released if the need be."

On Sunday, Prime Minister Modi visited Jammu and Kashmir for a first-hand assessment of the situation arising out of incessant rain and floods in the state and offered his help to Pakistan to assist in the relief work in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Before his visit, he was briefed by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh about the extent of damage caused by the floods in Jammu and Kashmir and the suffering that the people were undergoing there.

In view of the seriousness of the situation, the Prime Minister held a crisis review meeting with the Cabinet Secretary and other senior officials.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took aerial survey of the flood situation in Jammu and Kashmir and released Rs. 1000 crores of relief assistance to the state government.

The prime minister also announced compensation worth Rs.2 lakh to families of the deceased and Rs.50, 000 to the injured.