Srinagar: PDP President Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday exhorted the Jammu & Kashmir Government to focus on a mass vaccination campaign which according to her is the only way out and said people cannot be put under perpetual lockdowns, to prevent deaths and recurring lockdowns .
Addressing a a meeting of Provincial office bearers from Kashmir province virtually Mehbooba said that traders, industrial units, transport sector, hospitality and service industry, horticulture sector, middle-class and lower sections of society are undergoing unbearable financial pain . She urged the administration to systemically chalk out a plan in coordination with stakeholders and technical experts from health sector to prepare a road map for gradual easing of restrictions and extend financial assistance to these sectors.
“Lockdown and other SOP’s are precautionary measures. Administration should redirect its efforts on an expeditious vaccination program which is the only lasting solution. We cannot be under perpetual lockdowns, to prevent deaths and recurring lockdowns mass vaccinations is the only way out, ”
Hailing doctors for their selfless service and spirited fight against the Covid-19 the PDP President lauded the efforts of doctors, health care professionals, front line workers, Non Governmental Organisations and the society at large for their untiring efforts in mitigating the crisis.
“We salute our doctors — exceptional care givers who are at the forefront of a spirited fight against COVID-19. Their utmost commitment to keep the people safe and healthy in these challenging times is truly exceptional. We salute your devotion and sacrifice, ” Mehbooba said.
Impressing upon the party leadership to ensure party cadre is at the forefront of helping needy in these times of crisis Mehbooba directed the leadership to double down on their efforts to reach out to needy and deserving sections of the society.
Regretting the fact that in the middle of this deadly pandemic the tribal communities from Jammu as well as in in the valley are being hounded and harassed from their traditional dwellings in the garb of clearing forest encroachments, Mehbooba said this vicious campaign of displacement of natives and indigenous people should be stopped immediately.
Pitching for early release of political prisoners Mehbooba also said that in spite of clear Supreme Court orders prisoners and undertrials in Jammu and Kashmir unlike other parts of the country are yet to be released . “Keeping in view the deadly COVID , these prisoners or detainees should be released immediately on parole or otherwise, ” she added. Meeting started with a minute of silence followed by messages of condolences and sympathies to those who have lost their loved ones and prayers for the departed.
