Omar Abdullah says many areas still disconnected, but hopes for connectivity to highway soon

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said late on Thursday night that many areas of the flood and landslide - ravaged state are still disconnected, but expressed the hope that the national highway would be connected to other roads soon.

Abdullah said, "Water is still there and areas remain disconnected. Till now, the Jammu National Highway has not been connected with other places. But we are expecting that by the evening, the border roads will be connected to the national highway."

On his meeting with Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh, he said, "We talked about situation and other things that are necessary. I have told the bank officials that people should be reassured that their money is safe in the banks, and that there will not be any loss. Banks have saved their documents by some means."

"People are also concerned about their children's' education. I want to reassure to them that we will change school calendars so that they don't miss their exams," he added.

"We will give free food material to people for six months so that they don't face any problems," said Abdullah.

Jitendra Singh was in Srinagar on Thursday to make an assessment of ongoing rescue and relief operations in the flood-hit areas, even as water levels are gradually receding.

A team of central officials led by Union Home Secretary Anil Goswami is also in Srinagar to coordinate the operations.