DHIR KOT: People of earthquake victims reported large scale mismanagement in the relief work even after 22 months of the natural disaster that killed thousands in Azad Kashmir and NWFP in October 2005. Billions of rupees were reserved for earthquake victims but due to inefficiency and anti-people policies of the local governments people have left no choice but to visit the offices of Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) and SERRA for help.

While protesting in a demonstration here at Dhir Kot, Raja Jahangir Khan, Secretary General of Jama’at-e-Islami Azad Kashmir has said that the people of the affected districts of Azad Kashmir must not be humiliated otherwise competent authorities will be held responsible. There is no mechanism of check and balance in the relief operation, he added.

He blamed the AJK government for distribution of million of rupees among undeserved, saying the real victims were ignored. Discussing the overall situation in AJK, he said that state resources were being plundered and exploited in the last sixty years. There is shortage of teachers in schools and the hospitals are also presenting a deserted look. He said that there will be no progress and prosperity in the region until and unless the system is change.

He claimed that Jama’at-e-Islami and and Al-Khidmat Foundation helped the earthquake affected people and will continue to help them in the future. JI is committed to educate the masses and work for the development of the country, he added. High officials of Al-Khidmat Foundation district Bagh Usman Anwar, President Al-Khidmat Foundation district Bagh M. Afzal Khan, Amir Jama’at-e-Islami Bagh Gulzar Akhtar Kashmiri and the M. Saeed Josh advocate also addressed the procession.