SRINAGAR, December 22: Former Finance Minister Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has expressed deep shock and grief over the death of seven labourers of Uri-Baramulla near a construction site of Char Dham in Uttarakhand.
Bukhari has urged the governor led administration to extend all possible help in terms of immediate disbursement of ex gratia relief and compensation to the bereaved families.
“I appeal and solicit the personal intervention of the Honb’le Governor of J&K to take up the matter with Uttrakhand government for ordering a high level inquiry into the incident that has been reportedly caused due to gross negligence by the executive agency carrying out construction work on all weather road in the area,” Bukhari remarked.
The former finance minister observed that the construction work in the name of all-weather road is justifiably a cause of concern for the experts as the same disturbs the natural ecosystem which, in turn, makes these areas more prone to landslides.
Referring to the prima facie reports of the Uttrakhand police, Bukhari said that the executive agency has been carrying the work reportedly without bothering for safety standards of the workers, resulting in such a major tragedy.
“I urge the Governor S P Malik Sahib to vehemently impress upon the Uttrakhand government to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure the safety of other labourers hired by the executive agency including those hailing from J&K,” Bukhari demanded.
While expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, Bukhari prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and courage to the kith and kin of the deceased to bear their irreparable loss.
