Poonch, May 12 (KNO): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that while the ceasefire between India and Pakistan is in place, the border dwellers, who have left their homes amid Pakistan shelling, should return to their homes.
Talking to the reporters after meeting civil society members and the families of those who lost their loved ones in Pakistan shelling, Omar, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that 80-90 per cent of Poonch city is presently vacant. “The people had left when there was shelling from the Pakistan side. Now, the ceasefire is in place, the dwellers should return to their homes,” he said.
He added that so far, the government was trying to save the people and as the ceasefire is in place, the district administrations in all the affected areas have been asked to assess the damage. “Deputy Commissioners have been asked to formulate teams, and experts will also be incorporated to assess the damage. Further necessary steps will be taken once the assessment is completed,” he added.
Omar said: “There was a war-like situation on the ground and Poonch was targeted heavily, in which 13 lives were lost. Today, my visit was aimed at reaching out to the affected families and meeting the civil society members. I have congratulated the Poonch people for maintaining communal harmony at this juncture. Some suggestions were also put forth by the civil society members with regard to dealing with a similar situation, in case, takes place in the future."
The CM said the people belonging to different sects and religions were targeted equally. “The Gurudwaras, temples, Dargahs and Madrasas were targeted,” he said.
Replying to a query, Abdullah said, "They (Pakistan) will do false propaganda, but the whole world knows the truth.”
Earlier today, the Chief Minister said the safety and well-being of people remain the top priority of the government.
In a post on X, the office of the Chief Minister stated that Omar Abdullah visited shelling-affected areas in Poonch and met the families of those who lost their loved ones in the shelling. “Reached Poonch early this morning to take stock of the situation following the recent cross-border shelling. I will be meeting the families who have lost their loved ones to offer my condolences. Later, I will hold a meeting with the district administration to assess the ground situation and review the relief and rehabilitation measures post-ceasefire. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our people remains our top priority."
In another post, the tweet mentioned that Omar met the injured at the district hospital Poonch to enquire about their health.
“Visited the district hospital in Poonch to inquire about those injured in the recent shelling. It was heartening to witness their courage and resilience. Assured them of the best possible medical care and full support from the administration,” it said.
The CM also met the families of those killed in Pakistani shelling and offered condolences to them. He interacted with the civil society members in Poonch. He interacted with members of Civil Society across communities in Poonch. “Listened to their stories of courage in the face of adversity, I salute their spirit. We discussed future strategy to deal with such incidents and plans for rehabilitation," he said.
Omar assured them that the government stands firmly with them, both in terms of support and emotional well-being, to help them recover from this distress—(KNO)