New Delhi -
Indian Premier Narendra Modi, who turns 64 this week, has called off his birthday celebrations and instead appealed to Indians to help victims in flood-hit Jammu and Kashmir state.
In an appeal on his personal Twitter account late on Sunday, Modi said friends and well-wishers were planning to celebrate his birthday on September 17.
“My humble request - do not celebrate my birthday. Instead, dedicate yourselves towards relief work in Jammu and Kashmir through your time and resources,” Modi said.
“The need of the hour is to stand shoulder to shoulder with our sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The Himalayan region has seen its worst floods in over a century has claimed over 200 lives.
Around 150 000 people have been stranded while an equal number have been rescued by troops and relief workers.
Medics were fearing a break out of waterborne diseases as the flood levels were receding particularly in the state capital Srinagar, which is among the worst-hit areas. - Sapa-dpa