The Hindu : National : U.S. mountaineers on a relief expedition

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Wednesday, Dec 07, 2005

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U.S. mountaineers on a relief expedition

Shujaat Bukhari

Four U.S. mountaineers head for Tangdhar

SRINAGAR : This time, it is a different mission for four ace mountaineers from the United States. They are heading for Tangdhar on Wednesday to help the quake-affected.They also plan relief work in Uri.

Willy Benegas (37) arrived here three days back from Salt Lake City. Accompanying him are three of his friends, Patrick Kenny, Cedar Wright and Renan Ozturk. Adventure photographer Ace Kvale and Usman Raheem Ahmed a Boston-based scholar are also part of the team, which is likely to be assisted by an equal number of Kashmiri volunteers.

`A role for ourselves'

"We are keen to visit these areas and try to find a role for ourselves. We have heard that there are many people in the remotest areas who need help, though the Government as well as NGOs have been doing a lot of work," said Mr. Benegas.

This is the first foreign group formally taking part in rehabilitation work in this part of Kashmir, though many international NGOs are working in Tangdhar and Uri through their Indian offices.

Named the "Relief Expedition," it was initiated by Kashmir Earthquake Relief (KER), a U.S.-based charity set up by non-resident Kashmiris."From day one we have been working on awareness about the quake devastation in Kashmir and have been able to collect relief material," Mr. Usman Ahmed told The Hindu .

For the first time, 12 tonnes of aid — jackets, tents and sleeping bags — sent by KER would reach Kashmir directly from the United States.

The team is supported by Global Giving and North Face, a major U.S.-based adventure equipment chain.

Returning a favour

Mr. Kenny said the team could chalk out a long-term strategy after visiting the area. "We love these mountains. People living in the Himalayas have always been good to us, so we want to help them. Or at least share their grief," he said.

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