PM Narendra Modi and Sharif reach out to each other as J&K floods claim 150 lives

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Sep 08, 2014: Faced with the task of carrying out rescue operations in both sides of Kashmir, India and Pakistan on Sunday reached out to each other and offered help.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited the flood-hit state on Sunday, wrote to his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif, offering assistance in relief efforts.

Saying he had been told that “the damage to life and property was equally, if not more, severe in areas across the Line of Control (LoC),” Modi wrote, “My heart goes out to the affected people and my deepest sympathies are with them and their families. 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.”

The letter was delivered by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Stating that it was “a matter of great distress”, Modi noted that the “devastation caused by the record rains and the consequent flooding is unprecedented”.

Earlier in the day, during his visit to J&K, Modi also expressed anguish over the loss of lives and widespread damage in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK). “A lot of damage has taken place in PoK also, and India is ready to provide any humanitarian assistance in this hour of distress. Whatever assistance it requires, India will not lag behind,” he said.

Within hours of Modi’s offer, the Pakistan government said Islamabad too was ready to help India in rescue and relief operations.

“Our Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif did aerial survey of Azad Kashmir (PoK) and other flood-hit areas… Our rescue and relief operations are proceeding effectively,” the Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

“The people of Pakistan are also feeling pain and saddened over the loss of lives and properties of the people in IoK (India-occupied Kashmir) and are with them and ready to help in whatever way possible to mitigate their sufferings caused by the heavy floods,” the spokesperson said.

Pakistan’s response is being seen as an attempt to reach out to New Delhi. The relations between the two countries have been under strain after India called off the Foreign Secretary-level talks scheduled for August 25.

 

Courtesy:IndianExpress