𝐎𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐡, 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞

Srinagar, May 12: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated on Monday that the recent cross-border shelling by Pakistan created a war-like atmosphere in the region, with Poonch district bearing the brunt of the violence.

Speaking during his visit to Poonch and Surankote, Omar said that nearly 80 to 90 percent of Poonch town had been evacuated at the height of the shelling. However, with a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan now in place and holding for over 24 hours, he assured residents that it was safe to return.

He described the past few days as highly tense, noting that this was the first time such intense shelling had occurred inside towns, leading to the deaths of 13 civilians. “My primary goal in coming here was to visit the families affected by this tragedy,” he said.

Omar lauded the communal unity displayed by the people of Poonch during the crisis, emphasizing the strong bonds between Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs despite the hardship.

Regarding damage to religious places, Omar clarified that while worship sites were not directly targeted, nearby areas including temples, madrassas, dargahs, and gurudwaras were impacted due to the indiscriminate nature of the shelling.

He said civil society members had offered useful suggestions to reduce casualties in such incidents, and that the government would work on implementing those ideas to strengthen preparedness.

While refraining from speculating on Pakistan’s motives, Omar said he could only speak based on ground realities. Addressing misinformation from across the border, he said, “Pakistan can spread propaganda, but the truth is evident to us and the world.”

The Chief Minister instructed district administrations in affected areas—including Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora—to form teams for damage assessment. These teams will evaluate property losses and ensure compensation is provided.

He also dismissed rumours that officials had abandoned their posts during the shelling, calling such reports false and unfortunate. “All Deputy Commissioners remained at their stations,” he confirmed.

Looking ahead, Omar emphasized the need to build bunkers in vulnerable zones and said future readiness would be a top priority. He was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Javed Rana, Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Aijaz Jan, and his sons Zamir and Zahir, as he met with affected families and engaged with civil society members.