Hajj, Comity of Nations and Reconstruction of Kashmir

1. Hajj, Comity of Nations and Reconstruction of Kashmir
Hajj marks largest annual gathering of Muslims worldwide. Apart from spiritual dimensions of seeking
Taqarub-e-Ilahi (proximity to God) at individual and collective level it has a dimension of being a major
platform for community welfare. It serves as an in-person information exchange of people from almost
each and every part of the world and not only 57 Muslim countries. Being at one place for about 10 to
30 days, this global community shares among themselves their good practices, success stories,
community needs and concerns. People to People awareness and networking in this heaven-like
atmosphere eventually contributes to Spiritual, Social, Scientific, Cultural and Economic progress and
development of mankind. It is in this context that we recommend following to all concerned:
- Increase awareness among other nationals about the devastation
caused by Tsunami Type Floods in Jammu and Kashmir during Hajj days.
- Relief Organizations on ground in Kashmir should get in touch with
major international donors and take the process further after Hajj is over.
- International donor organizations of repute should plan mission visits
to the valley following Hajj.
- Kashmiri Relief Organizations should collect primary data, prioritize
the needs and prepare proposals and presentations for international mission visitors.
- Local Relief Organizations can as well plan international visits to Govt and Private donors.
- Govt of Kashmir and Govt of India should offer necessary assistance to all concerned and
establish single window system for clearance of projects in Kashmir sponsored by foreign donors
as we do in case of FDI.
- Govt officials themselves may accompany such international delegations.
- University of Kashmir and its unaffected institutions along with relevant private bodies must lay
emphasis on ground level surveys and primary data collection.
- Jammu & Kashmir Bank must sponsor economic surveys and launch schemes at micro, minor
and major levels to boost entrepreneurship and job creation in the valley
- Agriculture university must come up with short term and long term recommendations to boost
state agriculture. They must give quick Do’s and Don’ts to locals for crops that can be grown fast
in the backyard (or terrace) of every household or cultivable land that they posses in unaffected
areas.
- From Masjids to Schools all options must be explored to shelter the displaced population.
- Innovative and creative methods of heating during winter need to be explored. Kangir and coal
may not be the only option.
- Culture of patience, tolerance, mutual support and hope for a better tomorrow needs to be
instilled in every Kashmiri individual, leaving aside all political, religious and ethnic preferences.
There is no reason to believe that Govt of India or State Govt will NOT allow or will not facilitate
the smooth planning and execution of internationally sponsored projects and initiatives. There
might have been some past instances in view of security situation in Kashmir but that cannot
form a reference any longer. Reconstruction and revival of Kashmir is more of a humanitarian
cause now before anything else. For Central and State Govt it is a primary national
responsibility. Necessary mechanisms and guidelines can be put in place immediately to ensure
any security concerns are taken care of. As of now, we know that Iran and Qatar has already
sent a delegation to Kashmir and more countries are planning to follow suit. A mere assumption
that State or Central Govt will not allow should not be used as a pretext by other countries or
their major NGOs in overlooking this humanitarian crisis of 15 million people of the state of

2. Jammu and Kashmir. The state is much bigger than Bangladesh, Tunisia and many other
countries of the world. The magnitude of calamity is beyond imagination and billions of dollars
are required for rehabilitation and reconstruction. All member countries of UNO, Muslim world,
registered NGOs, local relief organizations and each and every individual of the state has to the
participate in this mammoth Nation Building task.
Relief Requirements : (From now until 3 months, with estimated costs)
1. Warm blankets, mattress, Quilt and Pillows ( USD 125 Set/Family)
2. Water Proof Tents ( USD 200 per tent per family)
3. Modular Toilets (USD. 200 per toilet and USD 1200
for a row/per group of families)
4. Portable Houses (USD. 3,500 per house with insulation)
5. Mobile Water Purification Units (USD. 3,500 per unit)
6. School Kits –one bag, set of books & stationery (USD 75-100
per child as average from class I to Class X)
7. Mobile Health Vehicle – (USD 50,000 per Clinic for General Health Services)
8. Specialty Health Vehicle – (USD 100,000 per Clinic for mother and Child health)
Rehabilitation Requirements : (To start working on after 6 months to 2 Years)
Actual requirements and estimates are being worked out by different agencies and teams on ground for
the following rehabilitation requirements:
1. Hospitals – Major Hospitals will be required for different specialties and general health care.
2. Schools – Many will be required to bring children back to school and save their academic year
and secure their future.
3. Houses – Many housing colonies will needed to provide shelter to the victims of floods.
4. Vocational Education Institutions – To impart job and entrepreneurship oriented trainings.
5. Sponsorship of Family expenses per month - for families who lost their working members or
source of income
6. Micro investment schemes for unskilled and semi-skilled workers to help them stand and carry
on their lives again.
7. Sponsorship of students – for college and university students from poor families
8. Colleges and Universities – Medical colleges, Engineering colleges and universities were a
national need even before floods as we had a few only compared to other states of India.
9. Business Opportunities & Alliances – for local entrepreneurs and business houses at national
and international levels.
Your contribution in this humanitarian cause is highly appreciated.
You may work through your own channels that you are comfortable with
as per your respective Govt guidelines/regulations. We can provide assistance
in connecting you with recognized local relief organizations, if required.

3. We take this opportunity to thank all donors of the world who have extended their helping hand to the
people of Jammu and Kashmir. I have been personally impressed by the overwhelming response from
Indian Muslim community both within India and abroad. We would also like to remind the world
community that man himself has destroyed the lovely environment of earth so much that such events
have become more frequent than ever before. We have to refrain from all such practices lest we may be
surprised of Tsunamis and Katrinas in most unimaginable places in unimaginable ways.
There are many nations in the world like Japan and Germany who have made great scientific and
economic achievements in spite of national calamities and disasters. Each Kashmiri has to believe and
have full faith in a Japan-like re-emergence and give time & effort towards this cause selflessly and
creatively and then see the flood of Rehmah and Barakah will too flow the lanes and by-lanes of Kashmir
and will surprise all and sundry as the flood of Jhelum has done. It is all in the perception and belief of
each and every Kashmiri now. What you believe today firmly in and work towards it, you and your
children will see the same Kashmir tomorrow.
Riyadh Kashmiri Community
https://www.facebook.com/KashmirFloodsKSA