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AJK gets Rs 30m for compensation to Indian firing victims

From a correspondent

MUZAFFARABAD: The federal government has provided Rs 30 million to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir for the payment of compensation to families of those who embraced Shahadat, got injured in Indian shelling from across the Line of Control (LoC) from January 1 to 31, 2000.

This was stated by Senior Minister Sahibzada Mohammed Ishaq Zaffar while talking to a delegation of Leepa valley here on Thursday.

The 20-member delegation informed the minister that once heaven, Leepa has now become a ghost valley following unprovoked Indian shelling on civilians across the LoC.

Heavy artillery and massive snowfall has also caused the blockade of roads to the valley.

They demanded immediate compensation to the families of Shuhada. They complained that both the roads to the valley have been closed by snowfall and no efforts have been made to open them for the traffic. The people who volunteered their lands for the Chananian hydro electric project have not been paid compensation despite allocation of funds by the departments concerned.

Delegation also told the minister that funds allocated for Leepa valley health center are being reallocated for some other area.

The senior minister assured the delegation that of the Rs 30 million compensation, Rs 50,000 will be given to the families of the Shuhada while the injured will get Rs 20,000 each.

He said that AJK government will also compensate those whose houses and shops were destroyed by Indian shelling. The victims will also set free of cost wood for construction of shell proof bunkers near their houses for protection from Indian shelling. However, he said, compensation would be paid only on the recommendation of the army commanding officer deployed in the effected area.

Ishaq said on the commander's recommendation, DPs will be issued cards for acquiring free of cost wheat and other essential items.

He ordered the director general health to provide funds for the health centre, Leepa valley, and also directed the high officials of departments concerned to pay compensation to the victims of the Indian firing at Chananian Hydro electric project and Sherrgali to Muji Road.