Sada-e-Watan Sydney

We are grateful to those who ring/email to offer assistance and condolence. As far the donations and material help is concerned I would say there are many who are voluntarily collecting on behalf of the victims. It is not a moment to think it is a time to do, whatever we can do to pull the victims out of their misery. It is not a choice. It can happen to anyone, anywhere at anytime. Please have trust in those who are collecting and donate whatever you can. It will get there.

It may take decades to fill in the cavities created by the earthquake while it takes a few words to heal the grieved hearts. Please do that generously and show them that you are with them. This a difficult time and any help is better than no help.

Mumtaz Mian

General Secretary

Kashmir Council of Australia

The text of the statement released on 8th October 2005 is as follows:

"We are gravely concerned and saddened by the shocking news of devastation caused by the earthquake that hit Muzaffarabad (the state capital) and areas around its epicenter on 8^th October 2005.

Loss of life and property and suffering caused by the disaster is irreparable. We, in the moment of grief and despair, standby our Kashmiri and Pakistani brethrens who fell victim to the disaster and pledge our best support.

We offer our heartiest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and places of shelter to the disaster especially when the peace initiative was in progress on both sides of the LOC for a lasting resolve.

We pray to Allah (swt) to place the fallen high in the heaven, give courage to the survivors to withstand the shock and a speedy recovery for those who got injured".