Following cross-border shelling incidents in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah pledged government compensation to affected residents after a thorough damage assessment. “While we thankfully avoided loss of life, property damage to homes, shops, and a Madrasa has occurred. The District Collector will complete the assessment within a day or two, and compensation will follow,” Abdullah stated. He also announced plans to build individual bunkers along the border and Line of Control (LoC), noting that existing community bunkers, while previously unused, are vital during such crises.
Earlier, Abdullah visited the affected areas in Tangdhar, expressing solidarity with the residents. “Their resilience is inspiring. The government will support their recovery,” he posted on X. He also inspected community bunkers and committed to building more such shelters. Additionally, he visited the Sub District Hospital in Kupwara to meet those injured in the shelling.
The recent heavy shelling from Pakistan caused damage in Kupwara, Uri, and Poonch. Despite this, locals affirmed their support for the Indian Army. While a ceasefire agreement has brought relative normalcy, residents in Samba district reported renewed fears after hearing blasts and finding splinters in their homes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent address, emphasized India’s firm stance against terrorism. “Every terror organization now knows the consequences of harming our sisters and daughters,” he said. He highlighted the alertness of Indian forces and introduced “Operation Sindoor,” a policy of retaliation against terrorism, following surgical and air strikes.
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, targeted multiple terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir in response to the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in 26 tourist deaths. The operation reportedly eliminated over 100 terrorists and inflicted significant damage on Pakistani military assets, including 11 air bases, while prioritizing minimal civilian casualties.
