The Hindu : At the mercy of the weather this time

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jan 12, 2003

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Other States - Jammu & Kashmir

At the mercy of the weather this time

By Our Staff Reporter

SUNDERBANI JAN. 11. The migrants belonging to the areas along the Line of Control in Jammu region are facing a weather-induced crisis this time.

They lack even the basic amenities to survive in the extreme conditions. Many of them are yet to return to their villages.

The threat perception, particularly in the winters, is far from over due to occasional exchange of shelling in the civilian areas. Holed up in tents, some of which are torn, they are in no condition to withstand the icy winds.

In summer, they had to face problems due to outbreak of epidemics in the camps.

Since the children are studying in the open, the teachers have to suspend classes due to bad weather.

A teacher says, "we can teach, but we are worried about the children's health".

The economy of the people here, which is mainly dependant on livestock, has been affected with the increased mortality rate of the cattle due to extreme cold.

Shortage of fodder is another reason.

A handful of villagers, who went back to their villages some time ago, returned in December as firing between India and Pakistan erupted again.

Some of the migrants of the Akhnoor sector have been displaced since the Kargil war in 1999. It is one of the few lands considered fertile.

A sector commander told The Hindu that the possibility of the return of migrants to their native villages was remote this season, as this time of the year tension remains high on the LoC.

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