Slums, labourers from other states face ration shortage

Our Correspondent

Rajouri, April 1

Despite the administration’s several measures to provide every possible help to stranded labourers and slum dwellers from outside the Union Territory of J&K during lockdown, most of them are facing acute shortage of food, money, water and other basic facilities in the district.

Many families residing in Rajouri town and in its vicinity have not been provided promised ration and other items. Ragpickers have made their temporary shelters near rivers, rivulets’ sides while skilled/ unskilled and labourers have hired rented accommodations reportedly in groups.

“Nine families in a slum near the new bus stand are in dire need of food items” said Muskan, a ragpicker.

About 100 such families living in a slum in the town near Sailani Bridge are also looking for official aids.

About 25 persons from Ramban district got stranded at Rajouri and are running short of money and food. They have either appealed for transportation or required food and shelter.

The Army has came to the rescue of 13 daily wagers stranded at Rajdhani (Manjakot), where complete shutdown has been imposed after a retired doctor and his son tested positive.

The Army has also rescued two students and 21 casual labourers who, while on their way to Poonch district from Srinagar via old Mughal road (still closed), got stuck in snowfall near Poshana village.

“Stranded labourers and students were running short of food, water and other basic amenities,” said Defence PRO.

“More than 17,500 persons from out of J&K UT have been identified in the district, said Sher Singh, Additional DC.

“The administration is on the job to provide ration, food, and other required items to every needy. Tehsil-level committees have been framed to provide food item to inter-states/ districts labourers slum dwellers, destitute, stranded passengers, beggars, mentally challenged persons” said Mohammed Sheikh, District Magistrate.