In a letter addressed to his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday offered his country’s help for the rain-affected residents of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
“In this hour of need, I offer any assistance that you may need in the relief efforts that will be undertaken by the Government of Pakistan. Our resources are at your disposal wherever you need them,” Modi said. The unprecedented move comes at a time when relations between the two neighbors are going through the rough patch.
Reciprocating the Indian offer, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan was ready to help people affected by rains in Indian Kashmir in ‘whatever manner was required’.
“We also feel the pain of the people of Indian Kashmir and are ready to help in whatever way possible to mitigate the suffering of the people affected by the floods,” the premier said.
According to the statement issued here by the foreign ministry, the government and people of Pakistan expressed condolences over the loss of precious lives of “Kashmiri brethren on both sides of the Line of control caused by torrential rains and flash floods.”
The statement said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif carried out an aerial survey of the affected area in AJK and said Pakistan was monitoring relief and rescue operations.
The Indian Prime Minister also expressed sympathies with those who lost their loved ones due to the natural catastrophe.
“It is a matter of great distress that the retreating monsoon rains have played havoc in many parts of our two countries,” Modi said.
“I visited some of the areas affected by unprecedented rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir today. The devastation caused by the record rains and the consequent flooding is unprecedented. There have been many deaths and heavy damage to property and infrastructure.”
He further said, “while reviewing the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, I was informed that the damage to life and property is equally, if not more severe in areas across the Line of Control as well. My heart goes out to the affected people and my deepest sympathies are with them and their families.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 8th, 2014.
COMMENTS (14)
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“We also feel the pain of the people of Indian Kashmir and are ready to help in whatever way possible to mitigate the suffering of the people affected by the floods,” ++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Strange. Pakistani is in a position to provide relief to Indians but not in a position to provide relief to the Pathans of North Waziristan who have been cruelly driven out of their homes by the Punjabi dominated Military leading to a call by Bilawal Bhutto for private donations. ET article on the Bilawal Bhutto’s call is here:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/759374/reaching-out-bilawal-urges-nation-to-help-idps/
This is very confusing when there is flood we say Indians released excessive water from their dams, when there is drought in any area we say Indians are not letting our water reach us through their dams. One simple question what would the situation be today if India had not constructed any dams in occupied Kashmir in Azad Kashmir ? (perhaps worse then what it is today?)
@lol "they block our waters via illegal dams built against indus water treaty" The ICJ doesnt seem to think that they r illegal ... If thats ur view, then u r more than welcome to try to convince the world of the same ...
@lol: would you like us to build dams for you too!!! Please build dams and reservoirs to reduce damage caused by perennial flooding, I do not believe we deliberately stop/divert water going to you, no Govt. in India can survive if they ever thought of adopting such a policy. People of India mean you no harm, so you can stop insulting us.
@lol: There are no illegal dams built by India. India has always complied with Indus Water Treaty even during wars. Anytime Pakistan has taken India to international arbitration panel, Pakistan has lost the case.
These fake cases simply are a way to drum up anti-India feeling and potentially get a freeby for concerned officials to Hague.
Help being offered to people of Kashmir by Indian PM is for the benefit of Indians, even in Pakistani Occupied Kashmir, we offer help. Pakistan can not look after you in POK let alone manage their own country.
Indian trolls seem to sit here 24x7 lol... Indian Govt loves Pakistan that when drought hits us they block our waters via illegal dams built against indus water treaty & when Pakistan cones under the threat of flooding they release that water. So, yeah, thank you for your gesture & we're not going to forget it when the tie is right to return the wonderful gestures shown by your Govt. :)
@Gp65 We are all aware of Pakistani mindset of looking at everything through religious lens. But in this case it doesn't look like Nawaz Sharif really made religious distinction in offering assistance. Nawaz really seems to be a peace seeker,a good man at heart.
ET mods - this is factual. Please publish.
Couple of minor differences. Modi's help was proactive. Nawaz's help was reactive. Modi did not take relgion of beneficiaries into account, Nawaz did for he offered no help for people of Jammu where mos of the deaths have occurred.
@Babloo: The post is being politically correct. It states that Modi used the the term AJK and that Nawaz Sharif said Indian Kashmir. Both are factually incorrect. If you listen to speeches, Modi said POK and Sharif said Occpied Kashmir referring to Indian part.
@Saleem: thanks for an excellent recap. I would like to add that the 'additional 1000 crore' promised by Modi to people of J&K was on top of already committed 1100 crore taking the total to 2100 crore rupees.
No comments yet ? "Reciprocating the Indian offer, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan was ready to help people affected by rains in Indian Kashmir in ‘whatever manner was required’.
Did you see the word 'Indian Kashmir' ?
I am happy that the PMs of both the countries are walking in the right direction. We must help each other in any emergency like this instead of spreading hate. If we live peacefully this is in the interest of common man any issues must be solved through dialogue. War is curse for every one. Spread love not hatred. If USA,Canada can live peacefully why not India Pakistan/
Some highlights from Modi's visits to Kashmir. Hopefully, Pakistani elites, beside photo op sessions or dharnas, may be able to use some of these points:
It is a great human loss in Jammu and Kashmir region.
The Centre is in touch with the state government.
Teams have already been sent for communication and for restoring electricity lines.
I sat with officers of army, NDRF. Later on, I also collected information related to Srinagar, but at the moment, priority is relief operation.
This tragedy is of national level. It is not just an issue restricted to Jammu and Kashmir. I assure full assistance to the state government.
We have resolved to grapple with this issue together.
Medicines should be provided and boats should be made available in places which have been affected by water-logging.
Operations via helicopter will be fast-tracked since the weather is clear today.
I have asked for 1 lakh blankets to be purchased from the Prime Minister's relief fund. The Centre will provide an additional assistance of Rs. 1,000 crore to Jammu and Kashmir.
India is ready to provide assistance to Pakistan to deal with the flood-ravaged areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Nice to see Nawaz Sharif responding in the same sincere and good spirit as Modi.