CM visits shelling affected villages of Uri, assures rebuilding
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, May 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said it seems that Pakistan deliberately attempted to target more and more civilian areas in Jammu and Kashmir during the recent conflict with India.
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Talking to reporters during his visit to shelling-affected areas in Uri, Omar said that the continuous shelling for two days from across the border has targeted civilian areas in Uri, Tangdhar, Poonch and Rajouri. “This seems to be a deliberate attempt from the other side to target more and more civilian areas,” he added.
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The Chief Minister said that they were not the first to initiate the war, but it all started after a terror attack on innocent civilians in Pahalgam, in which 26 lives were lost.
“From the very beginning, I have maintained that the guns will fall silent on our side only when they fall silent on the other side as well,” he said
Omar said that now the LoC looks calm, and efforts are being made to reach out to all those areas that have suffered damage, to assess and compensate. “We have started the process,” he added.
The Chief Minister also said that in consultation with the Central Government, a plan will be framed to construct bunkers in all border areas.
“I am happy that the DGMO from the other side picked up the phone and called here, which helped to establish a ceasefire,” he added.
Omar assured every possible help to rebuild homes of people affected by Pakistani shelling near the Line of Control and said “the pain of my people is deeply personal”.
The Chief Minister has been visiting the shelling affected areas of J&K to take stock of the situation, get a first-hand account of the losses suffered by the people, and share their pain.
“It is our responsibility to provide you help from the Government so that your houses are rebuilt,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the people of Uri have endured pain several times but have risen every time with courage and resilience.
“Visited shelling affected areas of Uri including Salamabad, Lagama, Bandi and Gingal. This land has endured so much – from the impact of the 2005 earthquake to the pain of cross-border shelling. Yet, its people rise every time, with courage in their hearts and resilience in their spirit,” he said in an X post.
In an earlier post, the Chief Minister said the pain of the people of Jammu and Kashmir “is deeply personal”.
“Heading to Uri today to meet those affected by the recent shelling. Over the past few days, I have witnessed immense pain, loss and unimaginable courage of our people. These visits should have been to share joy and to speak of development, not to offer condolences. The pain of my people is deeply personal,” he said.
At Salamabad, the Chief Minister met with affected families and assured them of sustained relief and long-term rehabilitation measures. “It is the responsibility of my Government to ensure you receive the necessary support to rebuild your lives with dignity,” he said during an interaction with residents.
During his visit to Razarwani Uri, Omar offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Nargis Begum, who tragically lost her life when a shell struck their vehicle as they attempted to flee the area. “No words can truly capture the depth of your grief or the magnitude of this tragedy. I pray you find the strength to endure this irreparable loss. We stand with you in this hour of sorrow,” he said.
The Chief Minister also visited Lagama market, where several homes and commercial establishments suffered damage. After assessing the situation on ground, he assured affected individuals of prompt relief.
In Gingal village, Omar inspected the NHPC’s Uri-I Hydro Electric Project, which was also targeted in the recent shelling. He interacted with NHPC officials and assessed the damage caused to the infrastructure, including residential quarters.
Omar was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Member of Legislative Assembly Uri Dr. Sajjad Shafi, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa, SSP Baramulla Gurinderpal Singh and other senior officials.
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