Jammu: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday expressed concern after record-breaking rainfall and flooding caused extensive damage across Jammu city, assuring swift relief and restoration of damaged infrastructure.
Jammu received 185.6 mm of rainfall in just three hours from 8.30 am on Sunday, smashing its 71-year-old October record of 160 mm set in 1955. The downpour claimed two lives, including that of a woman, and caused extensive damage to infrastructure and private vehicles across the city.
Expressing concern over the extensive damage to residential areas and public infrastructure, the deputy chief minister said the government was assessing the losses and coordinating with the concerned authorities to expedite repairs to damaged roads, drains, lanes and culverts.
“Reports on the extent of the damage are being obtained from the concerned departments and the commissioner of the Jammu Municipal Corporation to ensure that repair and restoration work is undertaken at the earliest,” Choudhary told reporters here.
The deputy chief minister assured the public that the government would make every effort to compensate affected residents for their losses as soon as possible.
He also expressed concern over the reports of a young woman being swept away by floodwaters in the Domana area of Jammu, expressing hope for her safe recovery.
The 27-year-old woman, Rukhsana Kousar, was swept away by flash floods in the Raipur area of Domana while attempting to save her husband, Mohammad Kaleem, who was caught in the deluge as he tried to move his car to a safer location, early Sunday.
Police personnel, along with State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and local volunteers, have been conducting an intensive search operation for the second consecutive day to trace the missing woman, officials said.
The deputy chief minister said the government was committed to addressing the difficulties faced by residents and restoring normalcy in the flood-affected areas as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, Choudhary on Monday condemned the alleged crackdown on youth protesters in Delhi, citing claims of mistreatment of women protesters and calling for Supreme Court intervention to safeguard the Constitution.
He urged the government to engage with the protesters through dialogue rather than force, saying the youth represent India’s future, carrying forward the legacy of freedom fighters such as Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev and Chandrashekhar Azad.
“Look at how these young people are being detained — not just the boys, but the girls as well. Look at the way they are being dragged away and the manner in which police officers, security personnel and groups in civvies are touching them. You can see for yourselves the misconduct and indignities being inflicted upon these young women,” the deputy chief minister told reporters here.
Questioning the treatment of demonstrators, Choudhary said such actions were inconsistent with India’s democratic traditions and the constitutional values espoused by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B R Ambedkar.
“Is this the civilisation of our country? Is this our tradition? Is this our culture?” he asked, stressing that citizens must be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights without fear or intimidation.
Linking the protests to broader concerns over transparency in examinations and elections, the deputy chief minister referred to the NEET examination controversy and allegations concerning electoral rolls and voting procedures.
He said concerns raised by youths regarding transparency deserved to be addressed.
Choudhary also called for accountability in the Election Commission, arguing that public confidence in the electoral process depended on transparency.
Referring to allegations involving Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, he said his resignation would be appropriate on moral grounds.
He appealed to the Centre to listen to the protesters and resolve their concerns through dialogue and negotiation rather than resorting to baton charges or other coercive measures.
Emphasising the role of democratic institutions, Choudhary said the Supreme Court has an important responsibility in safeguarding constitutional rights, particularly when questions arose over alleged excesses by those in power.
He said the President and the Supreme Court were among the key constitutional institutions whose intervention could help protect the country’s democratic framework.
“Today, to protect the Constitution of this country, the Supreme Court has an important responsibility. As (Congress leader) Rahul Gandhi said, we have reached a point where we need to approach the Apex Court.
“Why has this situation arisen? Because today, there are only two institutions that can save this country and its Constitution: either the President of India or the country’s highest court, the Supreme Court. Both must intervene. Only then can the Constitution of this country be protected,” he said.
Taking aim at BJP’s attempts to divert attention from the issues raised, Choudhary said political rhetoric should not overshadow questions concerning constitutional rights and electoral transparency.
He maintained that the protesters were seeking transparency and protection of the Constitution rather than making unreasonable demands and expressed hope that their concerns are heard and addressed through democratic means.
He reiterated that protecting the Constitution and maintaining public confidence in democratic institutions required accountability, transparency and respect for citizens’ fundamental rights.
The deputy CM also underscored the responsibility of the media, describing it as the fourth pillar of democracy and urging journalists to report facts independently and hold those in power accountable.
“The day the pen is silenced in this country, the future of this nation will come to an end,” he said, calling on the media to continue defending democratic values and the Constitution.
Choudhary also stressed that the restoration of statehood, along with Jammu and Kashmir’s distinct identity, should be the priority, rather than political discussions over Cabinet reshuffles and appointments.
