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Refugees
The ongoing conflict in the region has affected over 12 million
people on both sides of the Jammu & Kashmir divide. Neelum
valley is one of the worst hit areas along the border, and
an estimated 75,000 people have fled their homes.
The majority of the displaced families have loaded their few
possessions onto carts and fled the fighting by moving in
with friends or relatives. Around 25% of the displaced families
who could afford the cost have moved to Muzaffarabad, Kashmir
or Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Many Kashmiris have been refugees
in their own land since 1989.
Rising Tension
Firing across the line of control (LoC) has been routine since
1990. Recently, however, the increased intensity of the cross-border
shelling has lead to thousands of deaths and horrific injuries
amongst civilians. Heavy artillery, mortar and gun fire from
both armies has made life close to the border unbearable.
Tens of thousands of land mines laid by the Indian forces
also take their death toll.
Islamic Relief in Kashmir
Islamic Relief is the only International NGO based in Kashmir. Our local office in Muzaffarabad,
Kashmir co-ordinates relief programmes in Tehsil Athmuqam and
Neelum Valley.
Neelum Valley
Islamic Relief has been working in Neelum Valley since 1998
helping people affected by the ongoing conflict. As well as
delivering medicine and equipment to emergency medical centres,
Islamic Relief has provided shelter and primary medical care
to the displaced people.
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In July, 2001, Islamic Relief began one of its most ambitious
projects in the troubled Kashmir region. The Neelum Valley
Integrated Development Programme provides people with much
needed assistance in 4 sectors: medical care, sustainable
livelihoods, disaster preparedness, and water and sanitation.
One of the most successful components was the Neelum Valley
Health Programme.
The main objectives of this programme were to provide vital
mother & child health services; improve the availability
of basic drugs; and increase knowledge of health issues amongst
the local communities. To achieve these ends, the Community
Health Centre was fitted with operating theatres, obstetric
facilities, and a range of modern equipment.
The Centre is staffed by doctors and nurses on hand 24 hours
a day, and the Centre's pharmacy dispenses affordable prescription
drugs. Vaccinations are also administered for most of the
major diseases including Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria and Hepatitis
B. Islamic Relief also provided X-ray, ultra sound and ECG
machines for the Clinic.
The people of Neelum Valley now have medical services in a
centre close to their homes. Previously, patients were forced
to make long, hazardous journeys to cities hundreds of miles
away. Many did not make it, while others found that doctors
were unavailable, or the costs of treatment were too high.
Now, two satellite clinics and medical camps in remote parts
of the region ensure that help is never out of reach.
*Please note all references to Kashmir are to Pakistan-administered Kashmir unless stated otherwise."
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