Kupwara, May 24 (KNS): BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Saturday said that while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the border areas was a symbolic gesture, the BJP delegation’s tour is aimed at delivering practical, on-ground relief to the affected residents.
Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) correspondent , during his visit to Tangdhar in Kupwara district, Sharma remarked, “It’s good that Rahul Gandhi visited the border areas. He is a big leader and the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. He may not be used to ground-level outreach, but it’s a good thing he still came—even if the visit feels cosmetic. Our priority, however, is to work directly on the ground, listen to the people’s problems, and address them through government action.”
Sharma highlighted the severe damage caused by the recent cross-border shelling from Pakistan, which destroyed several houses, shops, cattle sheds, and other property in border villages. He informed that the central government has taken the issue seriously, having already sent two assessment teams to the region — with the BJP delegation arriving today to review the situation firsthand.
During his interaction with local residents, Sharma said people have demanded the urgent construction of individual and community bunkers for safety during such incidents.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“We have already raised this with the Union Home Minister, and the district administration has been asked to begin work immediately. Very soon, these bunkers will be made available to the people,” Sharma told KNS.
He further announced that government jobs under the Special Recruitment Ordinance (SRO) would be provided to the next of kin of those killed in the recent incidents. “The Lieutenant Governor has already approved this for Poonch, and Kupwara will follow next,” he added.
On the financial relief measures, Sharma acknowledged that the current Rs 1.25 lakh compensation for fully damaged houses under SDRF is insufficient. “We will recommend a special package to the central government so that the affected families can rebuild their homes and lives with dignity,” he assured.
Praising the Indian Army’s strong response to the recent shelling, Sharma called it historic. “The world witnessed for the first time how India responded to a terror incident with precision strikes and firm military action, forcing Pakistan to request a ceasefire,” he said.
Sharma confirmed that the BJP delegation will continue its tour of all border areas, including Uri, Rajouri, Poonch, and Tangdhar, and submit a detailed report to the central government, seeking a special relief package for the affected population.(KNS)