Pak shelling: Situation along border very bad, says J&K deputy CM
JAMMU: The Jammu & Kashmir Assembly on Tuesday witnessed uproar over the issue of Pakistan shelling along the Line of Control raised by the members of BJP and CPI (M), compelling the deputy chief minister to term the situation as “very bad”.
“The situation is very bad. I would like the divisional commissioner and deputy commissioner to go there and assess the situation. The administration has been directed to provide all necessary facilities, safe shelters and ensure safety of people who have migrated from LOC area,” said deputy CM Nirmal Singh.
CPI (M) legislator MY Tarigami told the deputy CM that he heads the government and should not wish the divisional commissioner and other senior officials to visit Nowshera, but instead order them to be there with people.
Earlier, BJP MLA from Nowshera, Ravinder Raina, had raised the issue seeking attention of the speaker Kavinder Gupta.
“There is heavy shelling and firing along the LOC in my constituency. People are suffering and migration has also taken place,” he said.
“People are facing a threat to their life and property,” he added. He said schools have been shut and houses suffered damages in the border areas and called for reply from the government to this urgent situation.
Raina demanded sending a ministerial team at the spot to assess the situation. He was supported by Tarigami and members of BJP.
Replying on the issue, the deputy chief minister said “situation is very bad along LOC due to Pakistan shelling. As a result of the shelling, migration has taken place.” CONG QUESTIONS MODI GOVT ON SHELLING
The state unit of the Congress on Tuesday expressed concern over heavy Pakistan shelling along the Nowshera sector in Jammu & Kashmir.
In a statement released on Tuesday, chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma condemned Pakistan for shelling and targeting civilian areas near the LOC and questioned policy of the Modi government towards Pakistan in the case.
He also expressed concern over plight of those suffering and asked the government to ensure proper relief and rehabilitation measures for the affected people.
He pleaded for five-marla plots in safer areas and monthly financial assistance to border migrants.
BJP PROTESTS AGAINST NC LEGISLATOR
BJP legislators on Tuesday staged protest in the Upper House against National Conference (NC) member for his statement in which he accused the Indian government of betraying the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
With start of the day’s proceedings, BJP members, led by Vibod Gupta, stood on their seats and demanded an apology from Showkat Ganaie for his remarks. PDP member Yasir Reshi also joined them.
To restore order in the House, Legislative Council chairman Haji Anayat Ali told BJP members that there was no need to protest as the remarks have been expunged.
FIRING CONTINUES Pakistani troops on Tuesday morning opened heavy fire on forward and civilian areas along the LOC in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri district, drawing retaliation from the Indian Army.
No casualties have been reported so far.
“Pakistani Army targeted Kalal, Kalsian, Jhanger and Baba Khori sectors. Firing and shelling began at 7am,” said Rajouri deputy commissioner Shahid Iqbal Choudhary.
He said the heavy shelling was going on targeting five villages in areas of Jhangar, Dhamaka, Kalal, Ganya and Nowshera.
Deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh slammed Pakistan and said security forces are giving a befitting reply to cross-border firing.
“Pakistan can never be relied upon for its so-called peace initiatives,” he said while speaking to media outside the assembly.
On FIR against Army major in Shopian killings, he said, “Nobody will be allowed to demoralise security forces in their anti-militancy operations in the Valley.”