Jammu, 14 May (H.S.): People’s Conference (PC) President and Handwara MLA Sajjad Gani Lone today called for a comprehensive assessment of property damage in border villages affected by cross-border shelling and demanded adequate compensation for the affected families.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the border areas of Tangdhar to assess the damage, Lone said, “There should be a comprehensive assessment of property damage in these villages, and compensation should be provided accordingly. These houses have been damaged in a war waged against the country, not due to any personal animosity. We have suffered major losses-houses have been burnt and destroyed. It is shameful if we offer mere pennies in compensation.”
The PC chief criticized the existing relief system as outdated and inadequate, calling for a complete revamp. “Our traditional system of relief categorizes damage simply as half or fully damaged, but the actual losses are worth crores. We need a new, out-of-the-box mechanism involving departments like Roads and Buildings (R&B) and Revenue for proper assessment,” he said.
Lone emphasized the need for enhanced protection measures for border residents, including the construction of individual bunkers. “Just as houses are sanctioned under PMAY, there should be bunkers for every household in border areas. You cannot keep them on the front line without defense,” he said, urging the Government to ensure the long-term safety of these communities.
Assuring continued support, Lone added, “I will go to any extent to get relief for the people of Uri and other border areas. You will see me with them every time they need help.”
Commenting on the broader India-Pakistan conflict, he said, “As a common citizen, I see no decisive outcome from war. War only brings misery and devastation. We have not seen any conflict in recent history achieve anything through violence.”
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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
