Trade body says Centre not allowing foreign aid to reach flood-hit J&K

Upset at the Centre’s alleged inaction in the wake of the J&K floods, the State Economic Reconstruction Forum (SERF) — responsible for trade, tourism, business and industry in the Valley — on Monday criticised the central government for not allowing international aid to reach the state.

“On many occasions, we have seen the Centre allows organisations like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank help in the rehabilitation process during natural calamities. But they are not allowing the aid here,” SERF member Mohamed Ashraf Mir said at a press conference here. “Aid is not allowed here because it is a conflict zone and we are a Muslim-dominated area,” he added.

“The losses are very huge and international aid is needed here,” Mir said, adding, “If the government of India is in a position to rebuild Kashmir properly and accept the losses, there is no need for any foreign aid.”

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He also alleged that NGOs wanted to work in Kashmir, but “are not being allowed to help us”.

He also claimed that the insurance companies are yet to provide any compensation to the business community. “We are not satisfied with insurance companies. Despite directions from the high court and the Supreme Court, they have not provided anything to us. They are still assessing the losses.”