An open letter to PM Narendra Modi
Dear Editor,
I would like to inform you that the civil administration has totally collapsed in Srinagar and CMO, IAS officers are absconding and J and K police is reportedly throwing away their guns and claiming to be flood affected victims and are leaving the Valley.
The civil administration officials are abandoning the Valley like rats leaving a sinking ship. The rescue forces are working day and night and executing the rescue operations. Various medical teams are providing medical facilities in relief camps.
Doctors from Indian Army from all over India have joined the rescue mission. Our sincere Air Force pilots are flying continuously for 18 hrs and are rescuing people. Right from our valiant Jawan to our responsible Generals are working with full JOSH. But, the rescue efforts by all these are not enough.
Sir, there are tons and tons of relief material arriving at our Old Air Field e.g water, food, medicines, blankets, tents etc. which need to be handled by the civil administration sadly no one is there to take charge and distribute it among the people.
Sir, there are boats meant for civil administration but that too are not being used. The army is not allowed to use these boats as these are for the civil administration.
I would like to thank Governor N.N Vohra who along with his handful of secretaries is working in tandem with our Indian Army and Air Force. So far more than six lakh people have been rescued.
The rescue mission has to be on a war footing; if delayed it would be hell in no time. There is a risk of water borne diseases, epidemics as well in the Valley. SKIMS which is one of the most reputed medical institutions of Srinagar and people are expecting that doctors would come forward and help them in this wee hour but it is very unfortunate that the doctors are missing.
It is obvious that in such circumstances, anger is increasing amongst the locals. There will be total chaos on the streets soon and with the police absconding, lawlessness will prevail in the Valley.
Children from GB Pant Hospital have been given refuge in Army Base Hospital but for how long? There needs to be a solution to this. Rescued people are given medical treatment in the hospital.
All the army men are having Khichdi from the community kitchens for the past 6-7 days-yes from the Jawan to the General.
Black coffee and black tea is all that they are taking. But ensuring bottles from RO plant, Puri Alu and bread and patties baked in the army bakery are being supplied to hungry mouths being rescued. Yes Sir motto our Indian Army-service before self is being seen in the Valley.
I am a proud wife of an army doctor posted in the Valley but feel so helpless not being able to do anything to help in the rescue mission.
Sir, there was a catch in my husband’s voice when he said the rescued people in the camps chant Bharat Mata Ki Jai !!…….Indian Army Ki Jai !!.
Sir, but the work is huge and daunting with very less responsible hands pitching in. It is sad that people are absconding from their duties. Work should be accelerated in a planned manner at the earliest to save our Jannat.
Writing with a hope which you have rekindled in this country of ours.
With loads of regards and tons of best wishes.
Reena Arora
Srinagar