Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately announce a special comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package for the families affected by the recent cross-border shelling in Poonch, Rajouri, and adjoining areas.
Karra, who strongly condemned Pakistan for deliberately targeting civilian populations, extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those martyred and injured. He also expressed solidarity with those who suffered loss of property, livestock, and livelihood.
Karra was accompanied by senior party leaders, including Working President Raman Bhalla, former JKLC Chairman Jahangir Mir, AICC Secretaries Shah Nawaz Chaudhary and Neeraj Kundan, Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, MLA Iftikhar Ahmed, DCC Poonch President Rajinder Singh Kaka, IYC Secretary Ayaz Chaudhary, Mir Iqbal (Ex-BDC), Kisan Cell Chairman Bharat Priye, and PYC Vice President Arif Qazmi, as they conducted an extensive tour of the affected areas in Poonch district.
Visit to Affected Families
The delegation visited Baila in Mandi to offer condolences to the bereaved family of Islamic scholar Qari Mohammed Iqbal, who was tragically killed in the shelling. They also paid respects to another martyr from Bandichechian. Karra noted with concern that a national news outlet wrongly labeled a martyr as a terrorist, which he termed “highly condemnable” and urged legal action against those responsible for this grave mischaracterization, which he said had deeply hurt the grieving family and tarnished the deceased’s image.
Prayers for Peace and Communal Harmony
As a mark of respect for the region’s cultural and religious diversity, the Congress delegation visited Budda Amarnath Temple and Dera Nangali Sahib, offering prayers for peace, communal harmony, and brotherhood. Later, they paid visits to the Bagyala Masjid Zia-ul-Aloom, Gita Bhawan, Gurudwara Singh Sabha Mohalla, and the residence of martyr Surjan Singh, reaffirming their commitment to unity and solidarity across all communities.
The delegation also visited the district hospital to inquire about the condition of those injured in the attacks, offering words of support and encouragement to the victims and their families.
Demand for Immediate Compensation and Political Response
During the tour, affected residents demanded urgent compensation for loss of life, homes, agricultural land, crops, and livestock. They also called for long-term rehabilitation efforts and increased government support in restoring normalcy to the region.
While addressing reporters, Karra criticized the Prime Minister for not mentioning Poonch even once in his recent speech, despite it being one of the most severely affected areas in the country. He reiterated Congress’s demand for an all-party meeting and the convening of a special session of Parliament to deliberate on the entire security and political scenario—from the Pahalgam carnage to the current ceasefire violations allegedly influenced by a third-party mediation.
A Humanitarian Appeal
Karra concluded by appealing to the central government to rise above political considerations and focus on the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the border districts. He emphasized that the nation must stand united to support its border communities in their hour of need.
