𝐒𝐚𝐣𝐚𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐬

Handwara MLA and Peoples Conference President Sajad Lone has made a strong appeal for immediate and comprehensive compensation to families affected by recent cross-border shelling in Jammu and Kashmir.

During a visit to the impacted border areas, Lone expressed grave concern over the severe toll on local communities. He highlighted not only the widespread physical destruction but also the deep psychological trauma experienced by residents.

“The border communities in J&K have endured heavy losses. Homes, shops, and buildings lie in ruins,” Lone said. “When we visited, the atmosphere was filled with fear and pain. Families have been forced to flee constant shelling, and children have been robbed of their innocence and sense of safety.”

He stressed the immense burden of rebuilding faced by many families with limited means.

“It takes a lifetime for a poor person to build a home — and now it’s gone. How long will it take them to rebuild? Should they wait another lifetime?” he asked.

Lone pointed out that these civilians are innocent casualties of a national crisis, not victims of personal disputes.

“Their homes were destroyed because the nation is at war, not because of any personal conflict. It is the country’s responsibility to bear the cost of that war — not the poor residents on the frontlines.”

Criticizing the current compensation framework, Lone said government aid is often inadequate and demeaning, requiring affected families to navigate burdensome bureaucracy for meager relief.

He proposed the creation of a temporary institution to pool financial support from government, private donors, and corporate CSR funds.

“My estimate is that the damage amounts to several crores. If the government can pay, it should. If not, it must find ways to raise the funds,” he urged.

Lone ended with a pointed suggestion for the media:

“Perhaps we should identify the most vocal warmongers in the newsrooms — and ask them to donate a month’s salary.”