Wattoo visits Attabad Hunza, assures opening of Khunjrav Pass

The Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo assured the people of Hunza to discuss opening of the Khunjrav Pass for supplying food fuel and other essential items to the Gojal Valley. The largest Tehsil of Gilgit – Baltistan is disconnected from rest of the area due to blockade of Karakuram Highway.

He was addressing a gathering in Altit Hunza during his visit to the disaster hit Attabad village and the school camps established for the people dispalced due to the devastating landslide. He said the government will utilize all resources to provide food to the people of Gojal till the opening of KKH. The Minister distributed relief cheques to the heirs of those who have lost their lives and Rs. 10,000 who received injuries. The Minister also distributed relief goods to about 60 affected families provided by Red Crescent.

“The people of Hunza are well educated, disciplined and well dressed which really inspired me”, he said. He said the Government will rehabilitate the people with a close collaboration of the Ismaili Local Council.

Mutabiat Shah, member GBLA stressed the need to immediately release the water from the lake to save the low lying settlements upstream and downstream. Syed Mehdi Shah, CM Gilgit-Baltistan announced relief mounting half million from the Karakoram Bank for the affected people.

Dr. Khawaja Khan, President Ismaili Council for Hunza appreciated the role and immediate response of the Government in the disaster situation. He expressed his hope that the Government will speed up the resettlement process of the affected families