Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Poonch on Sunday, a district severely affected by the recent cross-border shelling from Pakistani troops. This attack, which resulted in the death of 13 civilians, including children, and injuries to around 40 others, left the region in distress. The Chief Minister visited the injured at the Poonch district hospital and ensured that they were receiving the necessary treatment.
Visiting Religious Institutions and Families
During his visit, Omar Abdullah also paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the shelling, meeting the families of the deceased. “Words fall short in the face of such grief. I offered my heartfelt condolences and assured them that they are not alone — the entire administration and I stand with them,” he said. Omar Abdullah also visited Zia-ul-Uloom and Anwar-ul-Uloom religious institutions, where one teacher was killed and several students were injured due to the shelling.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the grief and suffering of the people and praised the sense of unity shown by different communities during the crisis. “The brotherhood among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and others during this crisis is truly commendable,” he said, hoping for continued blessings on this unity.
Efforts to Improve Preparedness and Response
While emphasizing the need for reforms in preparedness, Omar Abdullah announced Rs 10 lakh for each of the families who lost their loved ones in the attack. He explained that this financial aid was not an attempt to assign value to human life but to help families cope with the immense loss. Regarding the increasing threat of cross-border shelling, Omar Abdullah mentioned that even the old quarters of Jammu, previously untouched, had been affected. “We are now forced to contemplate building bunkers in the city — something previously unimaginable,” he said.
Omar Abdullah outlined plans for improving future preparedness, including the construction of fixed and mobile bunkers, strengthening ambulance services, and enhancing evacuation systems in border areas. He assured that practical drills and assessments would be conducted to ensure the region is better prepared in case of future conflicts.
Meanwhile, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid tribute to BSF personnel Deepak Chingakham and other fallen soldiers, acknowledging their sacrifice. The remains of Chingakham, along with others who lost their lives, were sent to their native places for final rites. Sinha also met the families of those affected by the shelling, offering condolences and assuring support from the administration.
As the ceasefire agreement holds between India and Pakistan, Jammu airport resumed its operations on Sunday, albeit with limited flights, and officials confirmed that schools and colleges would reopen in most parts of the region except for five border districts, including Poonch.
