Jammu, Sep 12(KNO): Residents along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed the initiative of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to get the new houses constructed for families affected by Pakistan shelling,’ the recent floods and terrorism.
According to the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the High-Range Rural Development Society (HRDS) India in collaboration with the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir will build more than 1500 houses for the victims of Pakistan shelling, recent floods and the terrorism.
"We lived for years amid rubble and fear. The news of new houses being built feels like a sunrise after a long, dark night, giving us hope for the future," residents of frontier areas told KNO over phone.
“Cross-border shelling destroyed walls, roofs, and the peace we once had. Hearing that new houses will be constructed for those affected by Pakistan shelling gives us hope that our children can grow up without fear of the next attack," said Fatima Bano from Poonch.
Residents in Poonch, Uri and Karnah Tangdar welcomed the announcement.
Mohammad Iqbal from Poonch, whose home was damaged during the cross-border shelling in May, said, “Finally, we will have a safe home for our children after all these months of living in temporary shelters.”
“We hope the government begins construction of these houses soon. This is a much-needed relief for border residents who lost their homes during shelling," he said.
Mehar Bano from Uri said, “Our house was partially destroyed by Pak shelling. This project gives us hope that we can start afresh without fear of the past returning.”
Rashid Ahmad from Karnah Tangdar said, “We have waited for months for support. Many houses in our area were damaged, and some residents lost relatives during the shelling. No compensation was provided earlier, so the announcement that new houses will be constructed for sufferers is a welcome step for us and will help us rebuild our lives with dignity.”
Suhail Ahmad, another resident from Poonch, said, “The monthly health check-ups and digital connectivity will improve our standard of living. It is not just a house but a complete support system.”
Officials said the initiative is expected to be completed in phases, prioritizing families who suffered the most damage. The project has been welcomed as a major step toward restoring normalcy and security for those living along the LoC.
Pertinently, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday presided over the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HRDS India and the divisional administrations. “Construction of houses is more than just putting up structures. It is about building dreams and providing a fresh start for affected families,” he said, adding that the initiative aims to support families whose homes were damaged by natural calamities and unprovoked shelling on civilian populations.
The HRDS India will provide three-bedroom “Smart Houses” with modern features ensuring comfort and safety—KNO