Visits Shelling-Hit Areas, Calls Charred Homes & Vehicles ‘Heartbreaking’; Pledges Full Restoration Efforts
Suhail Khan
Kupwara, May 13: With peace finally prevailing in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir—especially in the shelling-hit border areas—Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during his visit to Tangdar Valley in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, stated that the scale of destruction caused by relentless shelling is heartbreaking.
Speaking with the media after assessing the damage from shelling in Tangdar, Omar Abdullah, as per Kashmir Despatch, said, “I saw homes and vehicles charred by relentless shelling. The scale of destruction is heartbreaking. We stand with the affected families in this hour of grief. We will do everything possible to support them and help rebuild what has been lost.”
During his visit to Karnah, which was also severely affected by cross-border shelling, CM Omar said, “I met families who have displayed extraordinary courage in the face of profound adversity. Their resilience is nothing short of inspiring. The government stands firmly beside them—rest assured, their pain will not go unnoticed. We are committed to taking every possible step to help them rebuild their lives with dignity and renewed hope.”
CM Omar added, “During my visit, I also stopped in Batpora village, where I listened to more stories of resilience and strength. I assured them that the government will expedite efforts to provide them with the relief they urgently need.”
“I inspected community bunkers in Tangdhar. These structures serve as a vital lifeline during times of crisis. We are dedicated to ensuring the construction of more safe spaces to protect and support our brothers and sisters living in border areas,” he said.
The Chief Minister further stated, “I also met the dedicated doctors and staff who stood resolute in the face of adversity, selflessly saving lives without a second thought for their own safety. My government is committed to further strengthening hospitals in border areas, ensuring they are fully equipped to effectively manage emergencies in the future.”
Since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 tourists were killed and several others were seriously injured, India and Pakistan have engaged in a series of tit-for-tat actions. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, though Islamabad denies any involvement.
The two countries came close to war in 2019 following the deadly Pulwama bombing in South Kashmir, where a suicide bomber targeted a paramilitary convoy, killing 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. In retaliation, Indian fighter jets launched missiles that struck Balakot in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
However, last week, on May 7, India claimed that its armed forces conducted precision strikes using advanced weapon systems, including loitering munitions, on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The Indian military reportedly targeted selective terror bases in Pakistan and PoK under the codename ‘Operation Sindoor’, alleging that these camps were used to orchestrate terrorist attacks.
The situation remained tense, with both countries on the brink of war until Saturday, when, in a surprise move, Trump announced that India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire. The development was unexpected, given that the two sides had exchanged heavy fire just hours before, with India bombing airbases and key military facilities in Pakistan.
