Srinagar, May 23 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Friday that the assessment of damage caused by Pakistani shelling in the border areas is nearly complete.
He said a relief package will be formulated for the border residents after consultation with the union government.
“The assessment is almost done. It is, however, yet to come from two districts. After that, we will take up with the central government and try to prepare a package,” Omar told reporters here.
The cross border shelling intensified in J&K after India launched 'Operation Sindoor' during the night of May 6–7, targeting 9 major terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) to avenge the killing of 26 civilians in the tourist resort of Pahalgam.
At least 23 civilians were killed and hundreds of houses were damaged in Pakistani shelling across J&K. The peace returned on the borders after India and Pakistan announced ceasefire on May 10.
J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and BJP leaders extensively travelled in the border areas of J&K over the last two weeks.
Omar said that the Congress Member Parliament and leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, will visit Poonch- one of the worst hit district in recent Pakistani shelling- tomorrow.
“ He is coming to Poonch and it is a good thing,” Omar said.
The Chief Minister thanked the Trinamool Congress for sending their five-member team to meet the victims of the recent Pakistan shelling. This was the first team of any national party to visit the shelling-affected areas.
“They (Trinamool Congress) started it first. Five of their members came. They went by road to Poonch and now they are in Rajouri. They will go back to Jammu from Rajouri. It is a good thing that they are coming and listening to the people,” Omar said.
“ In these difficult times, it is good thing as we feel that some people are standing with us," he added.
Earlier, Omar Abdullah conducted a weekly Public Outreach Programme at the Chief Minister’s Raabita Office at Gupkar here, engaging directly with the public to address their issues and concerns.
Former J&K Minister Mohammad Ashraf Mir brought to the Chief Minister’s attention various developmental challenges in Athwajan, Pantha Chowk and surrounding areas.
Students from the SPS Library, MA Road Lal Chowk, requested the extension of library hours and resolution of internet connectivity and other student-related issues.
“Libraries are vital to a learning society—we are committed to making them more modern and student-friendly. All genuine concerns will be looked into,” CM assured the students delegation.
Several other delegations raise issues concerning public.
An official spokesman said the Chief Minister patiently listened to all delegations and assured prompt and priority-based redressal of their genuine concerns.
On-the-spot instructions were issued by the Chief Minister in several cases to ensure swift resolution of grievances.
“We remain committed to listening, resolving issues, and building a responsive and people-centric Government,” he added. UNI MJR SSP