Track II Delegation Flags Governance Gaps in Flood-Hit J&K
‘Delaying Elections May Deepen Administrative Paralysis,’ Warn Participants
Srinagar, Oct 1, KNT: Prominent members of India’s Track II diplomatic and strategic community have voiced serious concern over the alleged non-functionality of the Jammu and Kashmir administration in the aftermath of the devastating floods, calling for urgent steps to streamline governance and ensure equitable distribution of relief across affected areas.
At a high-level meeting held in New Delhi to deliberate on rehabilitation measures, participants included former Northern Army Commander Syed Ata Hasnain, former interlocutor Dilip Padgaonkar, and former Research and Analysis Wing chief A. S. Dulat, former chairperson of the Minorities Commission Wajahat Habibullah, senior Supreme Court advocate Ashok Bhan and former Mizoram Governor A. R. Kohli, among others from civil society, academia and business circles.
According to sources, the participants criticised what they described as a lack of coordinated administrative response on the ground, pointing out that relief material remained undistributed at several locations due to weak governance mechanisms. While commending the role of local volunteers and rescue teams in saving thousands of lives, they underlined the need for restoring an effective communication network and institutional accountability.
The gathering emphasized that rehabilitation efforts must be supported by a functioning and responsive local administration capable of addressing grievances swiftly. Participants stressed that the democratic process in the State should proceed without disruption, warning that any attempt to delay or jeopardize Assembly elections could further weaken governance structures at a critical juncture.
They also proposed the constitution of an independent group of experts to conduct a comprehensive assessment of relief operations, evaluate the scale of damage, and recommend measures for rebuilding economic infrastructure. A core group was agreed upon to monitor loss assessment and oversee equitable distribution of assistance in the Kashmir Valley and other affected regions. [KNT]
