MANSEHRA, Oct 8: The people of Balakot observed shutter down strike and held rallies against Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (Erra) on Monday to mark seventh anniversary of October 2005 devastating earthquake.

Three separate gatherings were held in the city, ruined by earthquake seven years ago, to mark the day. Participants of all the three gatherings criticised Erra and government for delay in completion of New Balakot City, a Rs13.2 billion housing project to settle survivors of Balakot.

Quaran Khwani was held and prayers were offered for the victims of earthquake at Syed Ahmad Shaheed Mosque, where Minister of State Sardar Shahjahan Yousaf was chief guest, and local government high school where mass grave of more than 70 students is situated.

About 17,000 people were killed by the natural catastrophe in Balakote in 2005.

The local traders observed complete shutter down strike on the occasion.

“Though Erra is working in accordance with its mandate, yet we are not satisfied with its performance as 50 per cent infrastructure has not been rebuilt and people are suffering because of it,” said Syed Ahmad Hussain Shah while speaking at the programme held at government high school.

He said that he had met with Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf in Islamabad on Sunday and apprised him of the problems and issues faced by survivors in Balakot.

“The prime minister directed Erra chairman to visit Balakot and address problems of people on war footings. We want to settle you at New Balakot City as early as possible,” Mr Shah said.

He said that work on a college for girls in Balakot was in final stages and reconstruction work on tehsil headquarters hospital would be started soon.

Another gathering, held in connection with the seventh anniversary of earthquake, was addressed by former senator Azam Khan Swati and others.

Mr Swati said that government failed to resolve the problems of October 8, 2005 earthquake survivors. He said that because of mismanagement and corruption, funds meant for reconstruction and rehabilitation of earthquake-hit areas were diverted to other areas.