Omar requests PM for special rehabilitation package

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a special rehabilitation package for the flood-ravaged state.

Abdullah Tuesday met Modi in New Delhi and requested assistance from the central government for relief and rehabilitation of the flood-affected people, an official statement issued here said.

Expressing gratitude to the prime minister and the central government for timely assistance through rescue operations and relief measures for the affected people, Abdullah also demanded a special rehabilitation package from the Centre to put life back on track in Kashmir.

"Our hearts go out for the families who have lost their dear ones," Abdullah said.

He said the loss to property in the calamity has been colossal.

"We look to you in this hour of grave crisis for all the required support... in terms of rehabilitation of the affected families both in terms of housing and livelihood besides permanent restoration of the public assets," he told Modi.

Abdullah said the state government will immediately role out financial assistance to the affected families from the State Disaster Response Force, but "a liberal and pragmatic financial package will need to be worked out for the permanent and sustainable settlement and rehabilitation of households devastated by the floods".

He said houses in Kashmir "are built at a cost much higher than other parts of the country", and in view of the coming winter, it was imperative that the central government agrees to the extra-ordinary funds for the reconstruction of the fully damaged and partially damaged houses".

Agriculture and horticulture losses also need to be compensated, besides providing financial support to business units affected by the floods, he said.

He demanded central approval to the Rs.2,200 crore Flood Threat Management Project of the Jhelum river.

The project has already been submitted to the central government.

Abdullah also appreciated the role played by the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the National Disaster Response Force in helping the affected people.

The prime minister assured all central support to the state for rehabilitation of the families and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, the statement added.