Compensation to be provided after damage assessment
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, May 13: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that the Government will explore the possibility of constructing individual bunkers for residents living in border areas and will take up the proposal with the Central Government.
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“We will frame a policy, design a scheme for individual bunkers in border and LoC areas, and then place the proposal before the Central Government for support,” Omar told reporters during his visit to Tanghdar along the LoC in Kupwara district that was worst affected in Pakistani shelling.
The Chief Minister said that people in the border areas are more concerned about their personal safety. “Wherever I went, people had only one demand – individual bunkers,” he said.
Omar said that the community bunkers exist but they are far from homes. “When shelling starts, it’s risky for people to run long distances. There must be safety at their doorstep,” he added. Click here to watch video
The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. “People living near the border want the ceasefire to remain. Only some TV anchors in Noida and Mumbai seem to have a problem with peace,” he added.
Omar said that the compensation to residents affected by cross-border shelling in J&K will be provided after a detailed assessment of the damages by the district administration.
“The Deputy Commissioner is with us, and the damage assessment will be completed today or tomorrow. After that, compensation will be provided,” he said.
The Chief Minister said teams are currently evaluating the losses in houses, shops and religious institutions, and the administration will disburse compensation accordingly.
“You have seen the damage yourself. First of all, we are thankful to Allah that no human lives were lost. But there has been significant damage to property – in houses, shops, and madrasas,” he told reporters.
Omar noted that under current guidelines of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), shops are not covered for relief. “We will prepare a special package for those whose shops have been damaged,” he said, adding that the Government is also looking into similar needs in other affected areas like Rajouri and Uri.
The Chief Minister’s visit comes amid growing concern among border residents over safety and rehabilitation measures.
Omar also reviewed the 12 MW Hydroelectric Power Project, which is expected to improve electricity supply in the region. Additionally, he inspected the expansion plan of Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Tanghdar, which will increase its capacity from 30 to 50 beds and include a new dialysis unit equipped with three machines.
The Chief Minister during the visit, toured various villages including Hajinard, Nachiyan, Shamspora, Baghbela, Batpora, and Tarboni. He took stock of the damage to residential structures and listened to the grievances of the affected residents.
“The affected families have shown remarkable courage in the face of adversity. Their resilience is inspiring. The Government stands shoulder to shoulder with them. Their pain will not go unnoticed, and every possible step will be taken to help them rebuild their lives with dignity and renewed hope,” he said.
He further emphasized that ensuring the safety, support, and swift rehabilitation of affected families remains the Government’s top priority.
Omar was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Trehgam Mir Saifullah, MLA Sogam Qaiser Jamshed Lone, MLA Karnah Javaid Mirchal, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Ayushi Sudan, Senior Superintendent of Police Kupwara Ghulam Jeelani Wani, and other senior officials.
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