Omar Abdullah Offers Support to Families Affected by Pakistani Shelling in Jammu and Kashmir

Compensation Announced for Victims of Shelling

On Saturday, Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah declared a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of individuals who lost their lives due to recent shelling from Pakistan in the Union Territory.

In the past four days, a tragic series of events unfolded, resulting in the deaths of an additional district development commissioner and 19 villagers across Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, and Baramulla sectors. This followed a retaliatory strike by Indian forces on nine terrorist infrastructure sites across the border on May 7, in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam last month.

The casualties included 12 civilians in Poonch on Wednesday, with two more fatalities reported in Uri and Poonch on Friday. Tragically, five additional civilians, including a senior government official, were killed due to Pakistani shelling on Saturday morning.

Expressing his sorrow over the loss of innocent lives, Abdullah stated on social media that his government is committed to alleviating the hardships faced by the affected families. He emphasized that while no amount of compensation can replace a loved one or mend the trauma experienced, the ex-gratia relief of Rs 10 lakh is a gesture of support and solidarity.

In his message, the chief minister reassured the grieving families that they are not alone during this difficult time.