Srinagar, July 19 (JKNS): Leader of Opposition (LoP) and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Sunday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has postponed its proposed July 20 Secretariat Gherao protest in view of the devastating flash floods in Poonch and Rajouri, asserting that “politics can wait, humanity should come first.”
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, LoP Sharma as per news agency JKNS said the party’s proposed protest march from Ghanta Ghar, Lal Chowk to the Civil Secretariat has been deferred as the prevailing situation demands humanitarian assistance rather than political activity.
“Politics can wait. At this moment, humanity should come first and every political party should stand with the victims,” Sharma said.
He said the BJP leadership, both at the Centre and in Jammu and Kashmir, along with party workers, is deeply saddened by the tragedy and has resolved to stand with the affected people instead of holding demonstrations.
“As a responsible political party, we have decided to postpone the protest. This is not the time for politics when people are grieving and looking for help. Holding a protest at this stage will also hamper the administration’s rescue operations,” he said.
Sharma clarified that the protest has only been postponed and not cancelled, adding that a fresh date would be announced once the situation returns to normal.
He said BJP teams will immediately leave for the flood-hit areas of Poonch to assist the victims and extend all possible support to the affected families.
The LoP further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are closely monitoring the situation and have already spoken to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to review the ground situation.
He added that party leaders have also been directed to visit the affected areas, assess the damage and convey the ground realities to both the Central Government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
Referring to the scale of the disaster, Sharma said the party has received reports indicating extensive loss of life and property in Poonch and Rajouri, while rescue operations continue in the affected areas.
He also expressed grief over the tragic loss of several members of a family in Surankote, Poonch, stating that the incident has deeply shocked everyone.
Sharma said the flash floods have also affected Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar and Bani-Basohli, and stressed that all efforts must now remain focused on rescue, relief and rehabilitation of the affected people. (JKNS)
