Poonch, May 30: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the central government will soon announce a package for the damaged houses, businesses and religious places of the victims of the shelling in Poonch from across the border.
Soon after reaching Poonch on Friday, Shah visited Gurdwara Singh Sabha, which was damaged in Pakistani shelling. He also visited other such places in the shelling-affected areas and interacted with the people. During his visit, Shah met the residents and families who lost their loved ones in the shelling and their properties have suffered heavy damage.
Accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Delhi Minister Majinder Singh Sirsa, Shah visited the shelling-affected places in the city. He was welcomed with slogans of Bharat Mata Ki Jai. Shah also met the affected shopkeepers.
Speaking to people in Poonch, Shah said Pakistan has committed a highly condemnable act by resorting to heavy shelling in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, especially Poonch. He said India has responded by targeting terror infrastructure across the border but has not harmed any civilian.
Shah said Pakistan targeted civilian homes, temples, gurudwaras and mosques. Pakistan used civilians as human shields. It was only after this provocation that our forces responded with strength and precision. Shah said the Centre will soon offer a package for damaged homes, businesses and religious places.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah earlier this month praised the BSF for giving a firm response to Pakistani aggression and said more than 118 enemy posts were destroyed and damaged in retaliatory action along the Jammu border.
During his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after Operation Sindoor, he said the Border Security Force has demolished the enemy’s surveillance network, which will take them years to repair.
He concluded his two-day visit to the Jammu region after reviewing the security situation, preparations for the Amarnath Yatra and interacting with victims of Pakistani shelling.
Praising the BSF for their preparedness even in peacetime, Shah said their intelligence inputs enabled precise pre-emptive action.
Describing the achievement as a reflection of immense patriotism and sacrifice, Shah said such bravery comes to the fore only when there is pride in the nation, a sense of patriotism in the heart and a passion for the supreme sacrifice. Only then are such results possible.
He emphasised that the BSF continues to serve as India’s first line of defence, working with unwavering dedication in deserts, mountains, forests and rugged terrains.
Union Home Minister expressed gratitude to the BSF jawans on behalf of the government and the citizens of the country.