Country must end aggression for peace
Visits camps in Jammu, Samba
By: Yogesh
Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday accused Pakistan of attempting to escalate tensions along the border, saying it would be in their best interest to lower their guns to improve the situation.
Addressing reporters after meeting families from border districts, Omar Abdullah said Pakistan has launched drone attacks targeting civilians in Jammu city—an unprecedented move since the 1971 war.
“I don’t believe Jammu has ever been targeted like this before. Credit goes to our defence forces for thwarting these attempts; not a single drone has successfully reached its target. There are reports that an ammunition depot in Anantnag was also targeted but was intercepted,” he said.
Abdullah said the current situation was not of India’s making. “It was initiated after the Pahalgam attack, which resulted in innocent lives lost. We responded appropriately. However, Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to escalate the situation will not yield any benefits and will only lead to more losses for them,” he asserted.
Omar called on Pakistan to de-escalate tensions instead of focusing on escalation. “The events last night clearly show that Pakistan is trying to escalate the conflict. This will only bring more losses for them. It is better for Pakistan to take measures to reduce tensions rather than increase them,” he added.
The Chief Minister also briefed on the situation in Poonch, where severe damage, casualties and injuries have been reported. He met with those injured in hospitals on Friday and said that one critically injured person was transferred to a hospital in Chandigarh for advanced treatment. “I have spoken with the Deputy Chief Minister, who will be visiting Poonch to assess the situation firsthand,” he said.
Earlier, Omar travelled to Jammu to visit hospitals and meet those injured due to the Pakistan shelling in Poonch. He visited relief camps and evacuation centres across Jammu and Samba districts, including Mishriwala, Nagbani, Bishnah and Thandi Khui, to review relief and aid arrangements for displaced families.
Accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani; Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma and other officials, the Chief Minister interacted with displaced families and inspected provisions of food, shelter, medical aid and other essentials.
He assured that all possible measures are being taken to support the affected people. “They wish to stay in their homes, but safety concerns have necessitated their relocation. We are doing our best to provide all facilities to those in the camps,” Omar said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah earlier rushed to Jammu to take stock of the situation following heightened tensions, drone attacks in Jammu and intense shelling in border districts of Jammu. With airports closed, the Chief Minister proceeded to Jammu by road early morning.
Chief Minister visited several camps and lodgement centres in Jammu and Samba districts, including those set up at Mishriwala, Nagbani, Bishnah and Thandi Khui, to assess the relief arrangements made for the public who have been evacuated to these shelters.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also commended the forces for their swift and effective action in repelling last night’s cross-border attacks from Pakistan at multiple locations across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
He asserted that India reserves the right to defend its people and territory with full strength.
“Our security mechanisms responded with commendable speed and precision, ensuring the defense of all targeted areas,” the Chief Minister said.
“If innocent people of ours are harmed, the nation reserves every right to defend itself in any way. It is Pakistan which must stop aggression for peace to prevail. If they keep on taking the offensive, they are sure to suffer. Our forces are fully capable of giving a proportionate response.”
CM was accompanied by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Satish Sharma and other concerned officers. During the visit, the Chief Minister interacted with the displaced families and reviewed the provision of food, shelter, medical aid and other essentials.
“All efforts shall be made to ensure that all necessities are provided to the people during this difficult time,” he said, directing the administration to remain alert and responsive to emerging needs.
In view of civilian displacement caused by the hostilities, the government has established relief camps at multiple locations across border districts.The Chief Minister also held discussions with senior district officers to assess the overall situation and ongoing relief measures, reiterating the government’s firm commitment to the safety and welfare of all affected citizens.
The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of civilian lives due to incessant shelling in border areas, particularly in Poonch district which witnessed the highest number of casualties and injuries.
He informed that the injured are receiving treatment at Government Medical College Jammu, while those grievously wounded have been referred to Chandigarh for advanced medical care. (With inputs from KNO)
