Omar Abdullah Advocates Resilience Amidst Border Tensions

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Kupwara to meet civilians injured in cross-border shelling by Pakistan. After assessing damage, Abdullah promised government compensation. Despite destruction, locals expressed support for the Indian army. Abdullah praised the residents' courage and assured governmental efforts to rebuild affected communities.

On Tuesday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the Sub District Hospital in Kupwara. His visit was a gesture of solidarity toward civilians injured in recent cross-border shelling by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC). This shelling followed Operation Sindoor conducted by the Indian Armed Forces as retaliation for the Pahalgam attack on April 22 and inflicted damage upon homes and religious sites in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara, Uri, and Poonch. Despite the adversity, the local populace has pledged its unwavering support for the Indian army.

Earlier in the day, Abdullah inspected community bunkers in Tangdhar and surveyed areas affected by the shelling. Following his meeting with residents impacted by the bombardment, Chief Minister Abdullah assured that after a comprehensive damage assessment, the government would offer compensation for losses incurred.

Expressing gratitude for the lack of fatalities, Abdullah emphasized the significant damage to public property including houses, shops, and madrasas. He stated that the District Collector was actively conducting damage assessments, which were expected to conclude within a day. Abdullah underscored plans to construct individual bunkers near border areas to ensure future safety. During his Tangdhar visit, he lauded the resilience of residents and iterated the government's commitment to aiding their recovery and maintaining their dignity. As tensions ease following an agreement between India and Pakistan to cease hostilities, life is gradually returning to normalcy in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)