Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone, conducted an extensive tour of border areas in Kupwara district on Sunday to assess damage caused by recent cross-border shelling incidents.
A party spokesman, in a statement, said that Lone, accompanied by Chief Spokesperson Advocate Bashir Ahmed Dar and District Development Council (DDC) Chairman Irfan Pandithpori, visited multiple affected locations including Dolipora, Trehgam, Sontipora, Rawathpora, Chowkibal and Kralpora.
During his interaction with media representatives, Lone emphasized that residents should not bear financial burden for damages resulting from border conflicts.
“The damage was not due to any personal enmity but rather an unfortunate situation created by war for which the government holds responsibility. A proper system must be established whereby every loss is assessed, evaluated and adjusted, with full compensation provided to affected residents,” he stated.
Highlighting the economic vulnerability of these areas, Lone questioned why impoverished border residents should absorb these losses. “Why should these poor individuals bear the loss from their own pockets?” he asked.
Moreover, he committed to engaging with the government to ensure complete compensation for all affected individuals.
“I will speak to the authorities regarding this matter and God willing, ensure that those who lost their homes receive proper replacements and those who suffered losses receive full compensation. The central leadership must visit these frontier areas to witness firsthand the suffering of those who bear the brunt of conflict,” he pledged.
Looking toward long-term solutions, Lone advocated for infrastructure improvements to protect civilian lives during future incidents.
“We must ensure that people’s lives remain safe during such incidents. Community bunkers must be built in these areas so residents have safe places to shelter,” he said.
