Kashmir earthquake survivors face another freezing winter without adequate shelter

A year later, politicians and officials held ceremonies to pat themselves on the back, while survivors organised protests against the slow pace of reconstruction, lack of compensation and government corruption. Many refugees face the dangers of another Himalayan winter without proper shelter, basic supplies or adequate health services.

Two demonstrations took place in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad. Thousands of people travelled from the quake-affected areas of Bagh, Muzaffarabad, Battagram and Mansehra to voice their anger last Saturday against the government’s woefully insufficient aid effort. Wearing black and red stripes around their heads and arms, they complained about intimidation, flawed policies, lengthy procedural delays and rampant corruption.

The Pakistani government claims to have paid most families the first installment of 25,000 rupees of a promised 100,000-rupee contribution. Demonstrators insisted that the scheme is plagued with corruption. They held up placards and banners declaring: “Who is the killer of thousands of children in earthquake?” Stop taking bribes” “Spend the winter with us” and “Build our homes before snowfall”. Some displayed cheques which they said had bounced.

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http://wsws.org/articles/2006/oct2006/kash-o12.shtml