10 years on...: Kashmir remembers earthquake victims

Several programmes organised across the region to mark the October 8 calamity

MUZAFFARABAD/ BALAKOT: Several programmes were organised across Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) to mark the 10th anniversary of the October 8, 2005 earthquake on Thursday.

Sirens sounded at 8:52am – the exact time when the temblor had struck a decade ago – across AJK to remember the victims of the catastrophe. The central event was held at the Khurshid Hassan Khurshid Stadium, where AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed laid a floral wreath at the remembrance monument.

On the occasion, PM Majeed asked the federal government to release more funds to the Earthquake Reconstruction & Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) to complete the remaining projects in the affected areas of Bagh, Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot.

“We are thankful to the international community for donating generously for reconstruction and rehabilitation to bring smiles back on the faded faces of the earthquake victims,” he said.

AJK Rehabilitation Minister Abdul Majid Khan – who had lost his brother, parents and 20 other family members in the temblor – said: “Reconstruction and rehabilitation was carried out in Bagh, Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad with the assistance of the international community. Pakistan Army’s role was commendable during the initial months.”

A rally, led by AJK Chief Secretary Abid Ali, was also organised to pay tribute to the victims.

Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) Chairman Dr Saeed Ilahi said the people of the quake-hit areas were close to the hearts of Pakistanis, regardless of which part of Kashmir they lived in.

It is a matter of pride for the entire country that people in the affected areas of AJK are back to routine life, as they have turned the catastrophe into an opportunity to rebuild their damaged houses and other infrastructure in the region, he added.

“The PRC will continue to support the earthquake victims in the sectors of health and education.” Events were also organised in Bagh, Neelum and Rawalakot. In Balakot, business activities were suspended for half the day.

The central event was held on the site of a mass grave of 84 students of Government High School for Boys, Garlat. Special prayers were also offered during the Fajr and Zuhr prayers at mosques in Balakot tehsil.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 9^th, 2015.