Srinagar: Scores of residents residing in adjoining areas of Sonawari Tehsil in district Bandipora Friday staged protest against what they term favoritism in relief distribution by government officials.
Scores of residents from Nowgam, Nowgam Payeen and Zalpora assembled at press enclave Srinagar and amid anti-administration slogans alleged that relief distribution process has been politicized while major chunk of relief has been given to influential people who were not hit by floods. The protesters told CNS that 75 per cent of the area in Sonawari was hit by floods but the sufferers who deserve the relief are being ignored as they lack influence and are apolitical.
It is the height of apathy that those people who did not suffer were given cheques of hefty amount while who suffered were ignored, the protesters said.
Accusing government officials of committing fraud,, the agitated protestors said more than 1000 residential houses have collapsed in Sonawari Tehsil, but only few affluent people who had access to power corridors have got the relief material and cheques. Administration has done injustice in disbursement of relief money. Some non-affected people grabbed major chunk of relief much to the shocking of the people, they said and urged upon the Relief and Rehabilitation Minister to initiate a probe into the bunglings. (CNS)