The current floods take my memory back to another disaster in the Kashmir Valley, the earthquake of 2005 (Sept. 15). I was posted in Srinagar as an Army officer, and saw at close quarters the magnitude of destruction and relief works by the defence forces. Many of us might be shocked to hear of the extreme expressions of anger by locals that include pelting of stones at helicopters and Army personnel carrying out relief operations. I am not surprised. The fact is that there is a section of the population in the Valley which is inimical to national interests, losing no opportunity to fish in troubled waters. It is to be noted that the Army and the Air Force have once again shown that they will be the saviours whenever called upon. Other government organisations must now take charge and carry out relief and rehabilitation on a war-footing.
N.V. Nair,Kochi
The reactions to flood relief work in Kashmir show that people in all disaster-prone areas of India need to be educated on how to tackle and face such grave disasters boldly and where the state may not be able to come to terms with the extent of the crisis. We may have to look abroad for such models of disaster preparedness. The need of the hour is to quickly ensure that any possibility of an epidemic breaking out is checked.
Tariq Ahmad Lone,Shopian, J&K
It is sad that hundreds of people continue to suffer following the floods. Such natural disasters point to one thing — the abuse of nature and the fact that we are paying for our follies. The idea of floating clinics is good (Sept.15). The priority must go to preventing the spread of epidemics.
Mahesh Kapasi,New Delhi
