In a strong message following the recent cross-border shelling, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today announced Government jobs for one family member of each person killed in Pakistan’s unprovoked firing and declared a comprehensive Central relief package for rebuilding homes and commercial properties damaged during the attacks. He emphasized that Operation Sindoor—India’s retaliatory strike on terror camps in Pakistan—was not over, but only suspended.
During his extensive visit to Rajouri and Poonch, the LG met with affected families, interacted with the injured at hospitals, reviewed security with top officials, and paid homage to the martyrs, including Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa, who was killed in the enemy shelling.
“We have taken an important decision. One member from every family of those martyred in Pakistan shelling will get a Government job,” Sinha announced.
He further stated that the Central Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, will approve a special rehabilitation package for damaged properties and ensure construction of individual and community bunkers under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme to protect civilians from future attacks.
Addressing the media and citizens, the LG said that the recent wave of shelling was Pakistan’s response to Operation Sindoor, in which the Indian Armed Forces struck nine terrorist launchpads deep inside Pakistan and PoJK in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
“India never supports war, but it will not hesitate to defend its people. The terrorists and their sponsors who executed the Pahalgam killings were taught a lesson,” Sinha asserted.
The LG said that no civilian or military Indian targets were attacked during Operation Sindoor, only terror sites. Despite this, Pakistan retaliated by targeting civilian populations, resulting in 16 deaths—including 13 in Poonch (four of them children) and three in Rajouri.
During a high-level security review in Poonch, Sinha hailed the Indian Armed Forces for their swift and effective operation.
“Operation Sindoor is a symbol of India’s military strength. The whole world is witness to our Armed Forces dismantling terror infrastructure in Pakistan,” he said. “Our forces have demonstrated that there is no area in Pakistan that cannot be reached if provoked.”
The LG didn’t mince words on Pakistan’s financial and moral bankruptcy.
“They borrow money to fuel terrorism. But the pain we’ve inflicted will not be forgotten. If they attempt another misadventure, they will be crushed. Their seven generations will remember the consequences.”
Sinha also condemned Pakistan for targeting religious places—including Gurudwara Dera Santpura Nangali Sahib, a temple, and a mosque—in what he called an attempt to disrupt India’s social fabric.
“The people of Poonch, especially the Sikh community, have shown immense courage. Their unity has strengthened the resolve of our soldiers,” he said after paying his respects at the Gurudwara.
Later, during his visit to Dungus, one of the heavily shelled areas, the LG chaired a meeting with senior officials and directed immediate steps for restoration of essential services, construction of bunkers, medical service upgrades, and reinforcement of civil defence mechanisms. He also called for an Action Taken Report (ATR) to be submitted to the Divisional Commissioner and Chief Secretary.
The LG was accompanied by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, IG Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, and Deputy Commissioner Poonch Vikas Kundal, among others.
