Uri (Baramulla), May 14 (KNO): Reaffirming his government’s commitment to ensure welfare and well-being of residents living along the Line of Control (LoC), Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday visited several areas in Uri sector affected by recent cross-border shelling, including Salamabad, Lagama, Bandi, Razarwani and Gingal.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Member of Legislative Assembly Uri Dr. Sajjad Shafi, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa, SSP Baramulla Gurinderpal Singh and other senior officials.
At Salamabad, the Chief Minister met with affected families and assured them of sustained relief and long-term rehabilitation measures. “It is the responsibility of my government to ensure you receive the necessary support to rebuild your lives with dignity,” he said during an interaction with residents.
During his visit to Razarwani Uri, the Chief Minister offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Nargis Begum, who tragically lost her life when a shell struck their vehicle as they attempted to flee the area. “No words can truly capture the depth of your grief or the magnitude of this tragedy. I pray you find the strength to endure this irreparable loss. We stand with you in this hour of sorrow,” he said.
Commending the unwavering spirit of the people of Uri, Omar Abdullah said, “This land has borne tremendous hardship — from the devastating 2005 earthquake to recurrent cross-border shelling. Yet, its people have consistently demonstrated courage and resilience.”
Expressing solidarity with the affected families, the Chief Minister remarked, “Over the past few days, I have witnessed immense suffering and loss, but also unparalleled courage. These visits should have been about progress and development — not grief. The pain of my people is deeply personal to me.”
The Chief Minister also visited the Lagama market, where several homes and commercial establishments suffered damage. After assessing the situation on ground, he assured affected individuals of prompt relief.
In Gingal village, Omar Abdullah inspected the NHPC’s Uri-I Hydro Electric Project, which was also targeted in the recent shelling. He interacted with NHPC officials and assessed the damage caused to the infrastructure, including residential quarters.
Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister noted that the situation in Uri mirrors that of Tangdhar, Rajouri, and Poonch. “It appears that civilian areas were deliberately targeted in this instance, endangering more lives,” he said. “Thankfully, the ceasefire is currently holding, and we are working diligently to assess damages and extend help wherever needed.”
He also emphasized the need for individual bunkers in vulnerable areas. “With support from the Union Government, we will work for construction of individual bunkers in all shelling-affected regions,” CM said—(KNO)