Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 11: Peoples Conference president and MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone today urged the Government to establish a “proper system” for assessing and compensating losses suffered by residents living along the Line of Control (LoC) due to cross-border shelling.
Sajad made the remarks during a visit to border areas of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, where he reviewed the damage caused by recent shelling incidents.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, he said residents of frontier areas should not be left to shoulder the financial burden of destruction caused due to shelling.
“A proper mechanism must be put in place to assess and evaluate every loss, and compensation must be provided in full to those affected,” Lone said.
“This damage was not due to any personal dispute. It is a consequence of war – a responsibility that lies with the Government.”
Highlighting the economic fragility of the area, Sajad questioned why poor residents should be expected to bear such losses on their own.
“Why should these impoverished families have to rebuild their homes from their own pockets?” he asked, adding that he would raise the matter with authorities to ensure proper redressal.
“I will speak to the concerned officials and make sure those who lost their homes are provided with replacements, and those who suffered damage are adequately compensated. The Central leadership should visit these border villages to see the sufferings firsthand,” he said.
Calling for long-term protective measures, Sajad stressed the need for improved infrastructure in border areas, including the construction of community bunkers to ensure civilian safety during future shelling.
“These are some of the most vulnerable and impoverished communities,” he said. “I have personally seen how poor this locality is, and it is always these people who suffer the most.”
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