Doda quake: BJP slams J&K government for 'callous' approach

JAMMU: The BJP today attacked the Jammu and Kashmir government for its "callous" approach towards relif work in quake-hit Doda belt, alleging that instead of visiting affected areas, CM Omar Abdullah was busy holidaying outside.

"Instead of visiting and consoling the (quake) affected people of the area, Chief Minister opted to enjoy holidays outside the state," party leader Kavinder Gupta said.

An earthquake measuring 5.7 on Richter scale struck Baderwah and adjoining areas of the state on May 1, killing two persons and injuring nearly 70, besides rendering many people homeless.

Fresh tremors of low intensity, 19th in a week, shook Bhaderwah valley and adjoining areas today also.

Gupta, who was on a visit to the affected Bhaderwah area, alleged that both the Centre and the state government are not concerned about the fate of people living here.

"Neither any Central minister, nor anyone from the state cabinet has visited the affected villages so far. Government has failed to provide even tents to the affected families, forcing them to spend nights under open sky in cold," he said.

Seeking a high power multi-disciplinary team to assess the loss, Gupta said the Centre should announce a comprehensive package for rehabilitation of affected people.

He also demanded for inclusion of the region under the National School Safety Project, and insisted on construction of earthquake resistant buildings.