Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 26: Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, called on Minister for Forests, Tribal Affairs, and Jal Shakti Department, Javed Rana and held a detailed discussion on the pressing issues confronting the people of district Poonch and other border areas affected by cross-border shelling.
During the meeting, the senior NC leader emphasized the urgent need for fast-tracking the compensation and rehabilitation process for the families impacted by the India-Pakistan border conflict. He urged the Minister to ensure Govt job to next of kin who lost their lives in the recent Pak shelling as promised by the Government at the earliest, terming it a critical step toward rebuilding their lives.
“It is unfortunate that the Central Government has not uttered a single word regarding compensation for the victims of shelling in Jammu and Kashmir. These families have suffered immensely, and their plight cannot be ignored any longer,” he remarked.
The senior NC leader also raised the issue of drinking water scarcity in Jammu city, particularly in Trikuta Nagar, its surrounding areas and kandi belt of Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts. He called upon the Minister to take immediate and adequate steps to mitigate the crisis, ensuring that people will receive uninterrupted access to clean water.
The Minister assured the Provincial president that the Omar Abdullah-led Government is fully committed to the welfare of shelling-affected families. He stated that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has personally visited the worst-affected district Poonch, RS Pura and other affected areas, and has already initiated the process for compensation and rehabilitation of shelling victims.
“The NC Government is determined to provide adequate compensation and Government jobs to the next of kins of those killed in cross border shelling. The welfare of border residents is a top priority for the NC-led Government,” said Minister Rana.
Meanwhile, Javed Rana alongwith Rattan Lal Gupta, Vijay Lochan and Rakesh Singh visited Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu to meet Rameez, a teacher at Govt Higher Secondary School, Mandi (Poonch), who lost his two children in the recent cross-border shelling in Poonch amid recent India-Pakistan conflict.
The Minister expressed deep grief and sorrow over the tragic loss, terming the incident as heart-wrenching and a stark reminder of the hardships faced by border residents due to shelling from across the border. He assured the family of all possible support from the Government, including prompt relief and assistance.
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