NL Correspondent
Jammu Tawi, Aug 27: Senior Congress leader and former minister, Raman Bhalla, on Wednesday visited the flood-affected areas of Gorkha Nagar to meet residents who have suffered massive losses due to the recent heavy rains and the swollen Tawi River. Accompanied by Congress Block President Ward No. 48, Latish Sharma, and several party workers, Bhalla spent hours interacting with locals, assuring them of his full support during this difficult time.
Bhalla personally inspected the damaged cremation ground at Gorkha Nagar, where the entire structure and sheds had been washed away in the floodwaters. Displaying empathy, he walked barefoot into the muddy and waterlogged streets to meet families, share their pain, and promise them that he would continue to stand firmly by their side.
Speaking to the people, Bhalla said, I, Raman Bhalla, will always remain with the people of Gorkha Nagar. As long as I am here, no injustice will be allowed against them.
He noted that the floods had caused massive damage to property, houses, and essential infrastructure in Gorkha Nagar. Criticizing the government, Bhalla urged immediate relief and rehabilitation for the affected families. The government must ensure every possible help at the earliest. This is the time to support the victims, not delay assistance, he stressed.
Drawing parallels with the Vaishno Devi tragedy, where a landslide claimed over 30 lives, Bhalla said that such disasters could have been prevented with timely action. The government should have suspended the yatra earlier to prevent such loss of precious lives,” he remarked.
Bhalla also emphasized that it is the moral duty of the administration to stand with every citizen in distress. The people of Gorkha Nagar have faced unimaginable hardship due to these floods. I appeal to the government to extend all possible aid—financial, structural, and medical—to every affected family without discrimination, he demanded.
Residents welcomed Bhalla’s visit, expressing gratitude for his personal concern and ground-level involvement. Many highlighted that this was the first time a senior leader had walked barefoot into the muddy lanes to directly share their suffering.
The visit concluded with Bhalla assuring that he would raise the matter at every platform until adequate compensation and relief measures were provided.
With monsoon rains continuing to lash Jammu, locals fear further damage unless immediate steps are taken. Bhalla reiterated that Congress would stand with the flood-hit families and ensure their voices reach the highest corridors of power.
