RAJOURI: JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra has said that the immediate disbursement of ex-gratia relief and proper rehabilitation of the affected people should be the top priority of the government. This should be undertaken on a war footing, especially for those whose houses have been severely damaged.
Accompanied by Working President Raman Bhalla, Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, AICC Secretary Neeraj Kundan, MLA Iftikhar Ahmed, DCC President Shabir Ahmed Khan, DDC Sain Rasheed, NSUI President Ajay Lakhotra, Kisan Cell Chairman Bharat Priye, and other local leaders, Karra visited the Government Medical College Hospital in Rajouri and met the injured. He also visited various affected areas in Thannmandi, Rajouri, and Nowshera constituencies, including border migrant camps, and listened to the people’s concerns. Karra also visited the extreme LOC in the Manjakote area and met the border residents.
Earlier, a prayer and review meeting was held at Rajouri Dak Bungalow to mourn the martyrdom of ADDC Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa and others who were martyred. A two-minute silence was observed in the meeting, which was attended by prominent leaders, Sarpanches, and Panches. The entire situation in the district was reviewed, and five immediate and long-term measures were identified.
Grave concern was expressed over the loss of lives, property, livestock, and crops, as well as the shelter houses left unfit for use. People are left without shelter and have no place to stay.
The people demanded immediate compensation for the loss of lives, property, crops, livestock, and houses. They also urged compensation for vehicles damaged in shelling.
Reiterating the demand for a special central package to compensate the losses and rehabilitate the affected people, as well as a recruitment package for border areas, JKPCC Chief Karra demanded immediate relief for the affected people, especially those whose houses have become uninhabitable. Several families have been left without shelter.
He said that Congress would press for well-equipped bunkers across the entire border belt in Rajouri, Poonch, and other areas directly affected by shelling. This could be achieved through a special central package covering the majority of the population to ensure the safety of border residents.
He regretted that the sudden ceasefire by a third country has raised many questions. In response, Congress Party and LOP Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have demanded a special session of Parliament and an all-party meeting. The Prime Minister should immediately accept the opposition’s demand. Rahul Gandhi is deeply concerned about the plight of border residents and has been receiving regular feedback daily. Karra disclosed that Gandhi contacted him telephonically today during the meeting.
Karra mentioned that he would be visiting all border areas and other affected areas in the coming days to take stock of the situation and inform the party high command.
Bhalla stated that the Poonch and Rajouri districts are the worst affected in the entire country, while raising the demand for a special central package from the Prime Minister to compensate the people. He also emphasized the need for a special recruitment package for border youth in paramilitary forces, in addition to the construction of more community and individual bunkers. He affirmed that the entire country and people of all sections are united in the fight against terrorism and Pakistan.
Several prominent leaders attended the meeting, including Iqbal Shawl, Prof. Lalit Mahajan, Junaid Adv, Ashok Sharma, Shakeel Mir, Sushil Sharma, Khursheed Janam, Rajesh Bittu, Rajinder Singh, Amit Sayal, Sajad Tariq, Rajinder Prasad, Vijay Bakshi, Bhavishya Sudan, Daleep Heer, Ravinder Chouhan, and Sat Pal Sharma.
