ISLAMABAD,Aug 23 : Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan offered humanitarian assistance to flood-stricken Kerala on Thursday.
Issuing a brief statement on Twitter, Imran conveyed prayers and best wishes on behalf of the people of Pakistan to those affected by the worst flood in a century in the Indian state of Kerala.
He added that Pakistan was ready to provide humanitarian assistance that may be needed:
The worst floods to hit Kerala since 1924 have claimed around 370 lives since monsoon rains began on May 29 and displaced hundreds of thousands this month.
India on Wednesday politely declined financial aid of $100 million from UAE among other foreign governments citing an existing policy.
Apart from the UAE, Maldives has offered $50,000 as financial aid to Kerala.
"The government of India deeply appreciates offers from several countries, including from foreign governments, to assist in relief and rehabilitation efforts after the tragic floods in Kerala," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a statement.
"In line with the existing policy, the government is committed to meeting the requirements for relief and rehabilitation through domestic efforts," Kumar said.
"Contributions to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund and the Chief Minister's Relief Fund from NRIs, PIOs and international entities such as foundations would, however, be welcome."
Sources in New Delhi also told IANS that current stand stemmed from a decision taken by the then UPA-I government after the 2004 tsunami when it decided that India will not be accepting financial aid directly from foreign governments.
COURTESY:khaleejtimes.com
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Alipurduar: A 40-year-old man accused of raping and murdering a five-year-old girl was allegedly tied to a tree and beaten to death by agitated locals in Alipurduar district located in West Bengal on Friday evening. Later, another man surrendered before the police claiming he was also involved in the crime, and was subsequently arrested.
The girl went missing on Friday evening. When her family began searching for the girl, they learned that she had last been seen with Mona Roy, as reported by the Indian Express.
The police said that the girl’s body was found floating in a local pond. They added that the locals caught Roy and took him to his residence where they allegedly noticed blood on the bed. Enraged by this, they tied Roy to a tree and started assaulting him.
Roy was beaten to death before the local police could reach the spot.
When the police arrived at the scene, angry locals prevented them from moving the two bodies. Eventually, a large team of police personnel was sent to the location. After two hours, they were able to remove the bodies from the area.
The bodies have been sent for a post-mortem examination.
Meanwhile, a man named Bhakta Roy approached the police, claiming that he was involved in the crime and feared for his safety from the angry mob. He was subsequently arrested.
Y. Raghuvanshi, Superintendent of Police, Alipurduar, asserted it is a heinous crime, adding that they have started a detailed investigation in connection to the incident.