Katju makes global appeal to extend help to flood-hit J-K

Press Council of India Chairman Markandey Katju today made a fervent appeal to people across the country and the world to extend all possible help to the people of Jammu and Kashmir which is battling a "terrible calamity".
"I appeal to all concerned, particularly to all the Indians, to give all help in any manner they can for helping the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who are their own brothers and sisters and are suffering because of this recent terrible tragedy," he said in a statement.
Stating that the J&K government will set up a nodal agency here within a day or two to help people make donations, Katju said there was a need to provide clean water, high-nutrition biscuits, chocolates and blankets.

Besides, purifying tables in large quantities and food should be sent to the affected people, he said, describing the calamity the "worst" to have hit the state in a century.
"As a Kashmiri myself and an Indian and a human being, I regard it my duty to help which I am doing by issuing this appeal to all Indian and all people in the world," he said.
While several agencies are working round the clock doing rescue work, a central coordination agency will also be set up by the state government soon, he said.