‘Those who left homes can return now’
Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, May 12: 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 today 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 per cent 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.
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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.
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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.
Omar undertook an extensive tour of Poonch district to assess the ground situation in the aftermath of the recent cross-border shelling.
Upon his arrival, the Chief Minister visited the District Hospital Poonch, where he enquired about the condition and treatment of the injured. He expressed his admiration for their courage and resilience and assured them of the best possible medical care and full support from the administration.
Later, he met with the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in the shelling. “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 also visited Zia-ul-Uloom and Anwar-ul-Uloom religious institutions, where a religious teacher was killed and several students were injured in the shelling incident.
Following his visits, the Chief Minister convened a meeting with public representatives, which included Members of the Legislative Assembly: Ajaz Ahmad Jan (Poonch-Haveli), Choudhary Mohammad Akram (Surankote) and Minister Javed Ahmad Rana (Mendhar). The meeting was also attended by prominent citizens, former legislators, and leaders from the Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and other communities.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chairperson of the District Development Council, Deputy Commissioner Poonch, SSP Poonch, and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.
Addressing the gathering, Omar acknowledged the grief and suffering caused by the shelling. “Today, we gather in a time of great difficulty and pain. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the spirit of unity and communal harmony displayed by the people of Poonch. The brotherhood among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and others during this crisis is truly commendable. May the Almighty continue to bless this unity,” he said.
He lauded the efforts of the civil administration, including the Deputy Commissioner, SSP, and their teams for their unwavering service. “They stood their ground and worked tirelessly to support the people and minimize the suffering caused by this tragic situation,” he added.
Expressing sorrow over the loss of 13 innocent lives, he said, “While no compensation can replace a lost life, it is our responsibility to provide immediate support and Rs 10 lakh relief announced by me to each family of the deceased is not a measure of the value of life, but a step to help them cope during this difficult time.”
The Chief Minister acknowledged the role of local MLAs for their support during this crisis.
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