But the resource crunch and the logistical challenges proved to be a major deterrent in Tangdhar. "We also realised that it was being looked after by the state, so we decided to shift focus and move to Uri." Both sought leave from their offices and joined a group of people who had organised themselves under the banner of Ath'Rot and plunged into relief work. Muneeb, who is responsible for publicity and information in his department, spoke to foreign tourists who readily agreed to help. "By mid-October we were convinced that the people needed shelters on a priority basis."
Like most of their generation Shaukat and Muneeb grew up in Srinagar in the 1990s, the decade that saw a call to arms and azadi in the Kashmir Valley. Both went through school till Shaukat went off to the regional engineering college in Srinagar and Muneeb graduated and joined the state government. Both made personal sacrifices to help their brethren in the mountains of Uri and Tangdhar. Muneeb left his newly-wed wife behind as he rushed off to the mountains while Shaukat, who was recently engaged, joined up with him.
Arranging funds to procuring hundreds of tin sheets and distributing them in the far-flung areas was a logistical nightmare. When sudden landslides would cut off villages from all help, the two would trek through traditional mountain routes. "Our idea was not to make the people dependent on aid. They are hardy people and we wanted them to take initiative in rebuilding their lives, while we provided the raw materials," says Shaukat. They also took care not to prove too intrusive. "People here have their own cultural sensitivities. It troubles us when some people see this as an opportunity to 'civilise' them. But I think they are far more evolved than us," says Muneeb. Now, the two can count at least 800 shelters they have contributed. As they prepare for another long haul in the winter months, somewhere in the mountains of Uri, grateful families will have a tin roof over their heads.
