In Kashmir's Hour Of Need, Valley Turns To Its Volunteers

Srinagar: As people of Kashmir struggle with a curfew that stretches on, groups of volunteers have come together to help hundreds of people stranded across the Valley hospitals by setting up community kitchens and relief centres for giving free food and medicines.

Ghulam Mohammad is working round the clock, cooking food for patients and their attendants at the Bone and Joint Hospital in Srinagar. He has just one arm but his spirit is unwavering.

Mohammad was attending to his relative in the hospital when clashes broke out in Kashmir after the killing of terrorist Burhan Wani.

"I help by cooking food so that they don't go hungry. Patients should get good care. I make soup for them and ensure they get all the help," said he said.

In the Bone and Joint Hospital, food is served to 1,500 people each day.

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"When we heard on the first day that situation is bad, I along with some of my friends contributed the money then others also started pitching in with contributions," said Bhasharat, another volunteer.

Since clashes broke out in the valley, over 2,000 people have been injured in security forces' firing.
Uninterrupted curfew and restrictions across Kashmir have left hundreds stranded in the hospitals.

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"I am very thankful to the committee members for making arrangements of food for us," said Manzoor Ahmad, who is attending a patient in the Bone and Joint Hospital.