JOIN USThe National Conference government in Jammu and Kashmir claimed on Thursday that its rescue efforts during the recent heavy snowfall were hindered due to the Election Commission’s model code of conduct.
The goverment statement came as a rebuttal to allegations by the Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Lok Sabha elections will be held in the state from April 10 to May 7.
Ministers Ali Muhammad Sagar and Sajad Ahmed Kitchloo said the relief efforts were restricted because of the model code of conduct. “We can’t help people and provide relief to them. We can’t use state machinery to take people out of trouble as you know our movement is restricted by Election Commission,” said Sagar, who is minister for rural development in the state.
He hit back at the PDP for criticising the government. “I admit that people faced a lot of inconvenience because of the heavy snowfall. But, we did our best and utilised all our resources to save people from trouble,” he said.
Minister of State for Home Sajad Kitchloo said air traffic has been restored and efforts are on to open up the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.
The PDP had on Wednesday taken a dig that the state government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was buried under eight-inch snow.