Jammu, 21 July (H.S.): Senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Tuesday accused the National Conference-led government of failing to respond effectively to the flash floods and landslides in the Rajouri-Poonch region, alleging its representatives were largely absent from the ground during the crisis.

Sharma's remarks drew sharp criticism from Congress MLA Iftikhar Ahmad and Independent MLA Muzaffar Khan, who accused the Leader of the Opposition of politicising the tragedy instead of making a positive contribution to relief and rehabilitation efforts for the affected population.

At least 23 people have been killed and seven others are missing in rain-related incidents in Poonch, Rajouri and Doda districts since Sunday.

Addressing a press conference after a two-day tour of Poonch-Rajouri belt here, Sharma said the BJP had postponed its scheduled July 20 protest in Srinagar against the National Conference government to prioritise visits to flood-hit families.

He said the BJP delegation found widespread devastation, with homes, shops, crops and livelihoods destroyed and several families losing their loved ones.

This is not the time for politics. It is the time to stand with the affected people and help rebuild their lives, he said, assuring that his party would extend full cooperation to the government and administration in relief and rehabilitation efforts so that assistance could reach every affected family without delay.

He demanded ex-gratia relief of Rs 20 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased, six months' ration for affected households, financial assistance to rebuild damaged homes, compensation for crop losses, restoration of damaged temples and mosques, and a comprehensive rehabilitation package for traders and businesses that suffered heavy losses.

He also called on the government to seek a special assistance package from the Centre, if required.

While appreciating the efforts of district officials, including Deputy Commissioners and police, Sharma said the government's overall response had left people disappointed and angry.

The government and the (elected) representatives were not visible during the crucial rescue and relief phase...at this moment, we urge the government to suspend all political activities. Agitations, protests or drama over statehood can be taken up later. Right now, the government's priority should be to reach out to the affected people and stand with them, Sharma said.

Responding to Sharma's claim that the elected representatives were missing, Ahmad accused him of politicising the tragedy and asserted that the focus should remain on relief and support for the affected people rather than political point-scoring.

Ahmad said he was among the first public representatives to reach flood-hit Rajouri town after learning of the incident, skipping statehood protest of the Congress in Jammu on July 19 and had been on the ground with the affected families.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar