Srinagar: The Congress on Monday called for a comprehensive relief and reconstruction package for communities affected by recent natural disasters in Jammu, while demanding a high-level inquiry into the “systemic lapses and negligence” behind the Vaishno Devi and Chashoti tragedies.
Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Karra made the demands in a post on X as Union Home Minister Amit Shah toured flood-hit areas in Jammu and assured some victims of relief and rehabilitation.
“As the Hon’ble Home Minister visits Jammu to assess the catastrophic losses suffered by our people, the Indian National Congress strongly urges the immediate release of a well-funded relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction package to help affected communities rebuild their lives with dignity,” Karra said.
He also called for an independent, high-level inquiry to investigate the “systemic lapses and negligence” that led to the tragedies at Vaishno Devi and Chashoti.
“These disasters have shaken the nation, and accountability is essential to deliver justice to the victims and their families,” Karra added, stressing that the government must act swiftly to implement preventive measures to protect lives and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Since August 14, over 130 people have died and 33 remain missing due to cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods in Chashoti in Kishtwar, as well as in Kathua, Reasi, and Ramban districts. The casualties include 34 pilgrims who were killed in a landslide while en route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine on August 26.
