SRINAGAR: The state government, already under fire for poor response to the major crisis following devastating floods, on Wednesday introduced a bizarre order that obstructs the supply of relief material to the victims in the state.
Unprecedented floods in the state this month have left hundreds of people dead and tens of thousands homeless.
As per the latest instruction issued by the state government, anyone intending to send relief materials needs to obtain an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from either the Resident Commissioner, Delhi or District Collector of Srinagar.
This has left the relief materials being unable to be ferried into the flood-affected areas as airlines have refused to carry such materials.
Although the government has stated taxation issues behind the order, the people are far from convinced.
They have termed such an action irresponsible by the Chief Minister at the time of severe crisis.
Relief Trucks Halted
Meanwhile the state government officials stopped nearly 45 trucks loaded with relief material for flood victims from entering the valley on Wednesday.
Trucks carrying food items, utensils, blankets, medicines and more were stopped at Lakhanpur in Kathua district by the toll Posts of Excise Department and the Sales Tax Department due to what officials termed as incomplete formalities.
The trucks belonged to a Patiala based Non-Governmental organisation that works to help the poor, old and unprivileged people.
President of the organisation, Mohan Deep Sharma, said their trucks have been halted for two days.
“We have got two trucks full of ration and other things including quilts and utensils. But they are not letting us go further from the Jammu and Kashmir barrier,” said Sharma.
Sharma added they have been facing trouble and are worried that such legal formalities might pose hindrance in distribution of relief material to the flood-affected areas.
However, the authorities say the trucks have been stopped due to incomplete documentation work, and some of the trucks have been cleared while others will be cleared soon.
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