Operation Sindoor: Amid border flare-up, Amit Shah speaks to J&K CM Omar

Srinagar: Hours after Operation Sindoor, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Shah is also constantly in touch with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF). Shah has instructed DG BSF to ensure all safety measures for people living in border areas.

Earlier, seven civilians were killed and over 50 have been injured as Pakistan resorted to shelling along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. This followed precision strikes carried out by India on terror camps inside Pakistan. An official said seven people were killed and 38 injured after Pakistan resorted to heavy artillery shelling along the LoC in Poonch and Mendhar sectors today morning.

He said ten civilians were also injured due to shelling from across the border in Nowpora and Kalgae areas of Salamabad in Uri, while three civilians were injured in Rajouri. The injured have been evacuated to nearby healthcare facilities. Officials said the Pakistan army carried out heavy mortar shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) for the 13th consecutive day. This is the first major civilian casualty count along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir since the February 2021 ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan.

Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the situation in the border districts of Jammu and Kashmir this morning. He directed the District Collectors to shift villagers from vulnerable areas and ensure essential services remain available. “I’ve also directed the DCs for the shifting of villagers from vulnerable areas to safer locations and ensuring boarding, lodging, food, medical care, and transportation. We will ensure the safety of every citizen. Jai Hind!” Office of Lieutenant Governor (J&K) posted on X.

Sinha said that the government was prepared to deal with any eventuality. “Took stock of the situation in the border districts of J&K UT with all the senior administrative, police, and district officials, including DCs of all the border districts. I’m closely monitoring the situation, and the government is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality,” he added.

Relocation in Poonch

With arrangements already in place for relocating people to safer locations amid prevailing situation, the District Administration Poonch conducted a detailed review of preparedness at various designated shelter camps.

A team of senior officers, including Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR), CPO, and Tahsildar Haveli, visited the proposed camp sites to assess the readiness of facilities and ensure all logistic and support systems are operational.

The locations designated as shelter camps for those willing to relocate are Caramel School, Chandak, Dingla University Campus, Ishat ul Uloom Chandak, Higher Secondary School (HSS), Chandak, GHSS Lassana, Government High School (GHS) Sanai, Government Middle School (GMS) Sanai, GHSS Seri Khawaja, Polytechnic College, Sathra.

The administration assures the public that essential services including accommodation, food, and medical assistance are available at all these shelter sites. People are being encouraged to make use of these facilities if they wish to relocate.