Srinagar, April 15 (KNS): Amid a country-wide lockdown due to Covid-19, People's Democratic Party leader and Ex VC JK Cements, Er Nazir Ahmad Yatoo on Wednesday demanded immediate financial support of 10,000 to the poor and daily workers in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement issued to KNS, PDP leader said that, delaying this will cause widespread devastation and chaos. He urged the government to act swiftly in announcing financial support to Below Poverity Line (BPL) families, who are struggling to meet day to day needs during the coronavirus crisis.

"The poor have lost their jobs since 5the August, and now they are not able to work due to COVID-29 crises. They have exhausted their meagre savings. Many are standing in line for food," Yatoo said.

"Can the government stand by and watch them go hungry," he questioned, adding that Lt Governor should transfer the budgetary money of J-K to every poor family immediately.

Yatoo has urged the government to take steps to hand over ? 10,000 assured to below poverty line families in cash along with rice and pulses rather than depositing the money in their accounts.

"The question is how can we minimise casualties in this war, does our government wants to see poor people dying due to lack of food items," he asked. Adding Those who survive on daily wages need immediate help & support through cash.

Instead of bank transfer, the government should reconsider its decision due to jumbling inside banks and should take steps to handover cash to the beneficiaries at home. In addition, it should also ensure that genuine poor who were yet to get their ration cards were not left out and steps should be taken to provide the benefits to them, Er Nazir Yatoo added.

Asserting that the party supports the lockdown, PDP leader said he was "deeply disappointed" by lack of coherent strategy or a clear way ahead on the part of central government. (KNS)