Poonch/Jammu: Asserting that the recent Pakistani shelling in Jammu and Kashmir created a “war-like situation”, with Poonch district bearing the brunt of the attack, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said those who had left their homes can return as a military understanding between the two countries is in place now.
Abdullah also dismissed the “Pakistani military’s ongoing propaganda”, saying the neighbouring country will continue to push it, but the reality is known to the world.
“They (border residents) should now try to return to their homes. Eighty to 90 percent of Poonch town is vacant. They had left their homes when shelling was taking place. Now that the shelling has stopped, they can return to their homes,” Abdullah told reporters here.
Accompanied by his cabinet colleague Javed Rana, Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Aijaz Jan, the chief minister on Monday reached out to those affected by the Pakistani shelling in the Poonch and Surankote areas, and emphasised the need for setting up bunkers in the region.
Abdullah, who was also accompanied by his sons Zamir and Zahir, described the recent escalation along the Line of Control (LoC) as a “war-like” situation, with Poonch district suffering the heaviest shelling.
“For the last three-four days, there was a kind of war-like atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir. Among all the areas that faced the brunt of the cross-border shelling, Poonch was the worst affected,” he said.
The National Conference (NC) leader said this is the first time that shells have fallen right in the middle of towns and heavy bombardment has taken place. “We have lost 13 precious lives. My purpose for coming here today is, at the very least, to reach those homes where this tragedy occurred,” he said.
Abdullah met with members of the local civil society and commended the people of Poonch for maintaining communal harmony in the face of adversity. “Despite the difficult circumstances, they upheld the legacy of unity among Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs,” he said.
Replying to a question on the indiscriminate nature of the shelling, the chief minister clarified that religious places were not specifically targeted, but areas near madrassas, temples, dargahs and gurdwaras were hit. “Their firing was random and reckless,” he said.
Abdullah emphasised the need for preparedness to prevent future casualties. “If such a situation arises again, we must ensure that such loss of lives does not happen. We have received several constructive suggestions from the civil society and we will begin working on their implementation,” the chief minister said.
Replying to a question on Pakistan’s motives, he said, “I do not have a magic wand to read their intentions. I can only comment based on ground realities. It has been 24 hours since the ceasefire began and so far, it is holding.”
He dismissed the Pakistani military’s propaganda, saying, “They will continue to push propaganda, but the reality is known to you, to me and to the world.”
Abdullah said the administration in all the affected districts — Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora — have been directed to assess the structural damage and submit reports for compensation.
“Our priority so far has been saving lives, but now that the ceasefire is in place, assessments will begin and relief will follow. As per the proforma, we will give compensation,” he said.
The chief minister rejected reports that officials had deserted their posts during the shelling. “Not a single DC (deputy commissioner) left his station. These rumours being spread by some in the media are unfortunate and untrue,” he asserted.
CM visits shell-hit Poonch, stresses need for building bunkers
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reached out to people affected by Pakistani shelling in the Poonch district and stressed the need for setting up bunkers in the area.
The Poonch district accounted for the highest 20 of the total 27 fatalities with over 50 others injured since Wednesday, shortly after India carried out Operation Sindoor, striking nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and PoK to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 26 people dead.
Abdullah, along with his advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Ajaz Jan, visited Poonch and surveyed areas heavily damaged by Pakistani shelling.
They met with the families of those killed in the shelling, especially the family of Amarjeet Singh and Amrik Singh, and offered their condolences to the bereaved kin.
Locals briefed the chief minister about the on-ground situation. The purpose of the visit was to provide support and comfort to the grieving families, the leaders said.
Abdullah also visited the Surankote area and interacted with locals of the border areas who had been shifted to safer locations. He was briefed by his minister Javed Rana on the measures being taken by the administration.
The chief minister stressed the need for constructing bunkers for border residents to ensure their safety. He is also slated to visit Rajouri.
The was largely peaceful in Jammu and Kashmir with no firing from across the Pakistani frontier reported overnight, marking the first such night in recent days.
New Delhi and Islamabad reached an understanding on Saturday afternoon to halt military actions with immediate effect after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.
