JAMMU: The border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir bore the brunt of intense cross-border shelling from Pakistan, with the death toll rising to 10 civilians, including seven men and three women. The victims comprised seven Muslims and three Sikhs, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the attack that devastated several localities along the Line of Control (LoC).
The shelling, which took place late on Wednesday night and continued into the early hours of Thursday, also left several people injured and caused significant damage to property, livestock, and essential services. In response, the District Administration, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal, has launched an urgent and wide-ranging relief and restoration operation.
In a high-level review meeting convened on Thursday, the Deputy Commissioner directed officials of key departments to restore critical infrastructure and services in war-affected zones on a priority basis. The Executive Engineers of Jal Shakti and Power Development Departments were ordered to ensure the resumption of water and electricity supply within two hours in all affected areas.
The Assistant Director of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) was asked to secure uninterrupted food grain and LPG supply, especially to villages near the LoC. Officials confirmed that sufficient stocks of essential commodities—including petrol, diesel, kerosene, and LPG—are available to meet current demands.
Deputy Commissioner Kundal also instructed that Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) be replenished regularly to ensure the availability of cash for residents amid the ongoing crisis.
Despite adverse weather conditions, the administration has resolved to resume all rural development works under MGNREGA and PMAY from Friday. The Fire and Emergency Services Department has been placed on round-the-clock alert to respond swiftly to any further incidents. Veterinary care through mobile camps has also been prioritised, with special attention to tribal communities and livestock in areas like Poshana.
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) has been directed to ensure immediate ration delivery to Anganwadi Centres and resume full functionality. Meanwhile, the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) has been tasked with monitoring transport operations, preventing overcharging, and maintaining seamless connectivity across the district.
In a strong administrative push, all district officers have been instructed to ensure 100 per cent staff attendance to maintain the continuity of government services.
Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal also visited Raja Sukhdev Singh District Hospital to meet the injured and review their medical care. He interacted with patients and their families, extending heartfelt condolences and assurances of government support. “We will not allow any lapse in care. Our teams are on the ground, and every resource is being mobilised to ease the suffering,” he said during his hospital visit.
A visit was also made to the shelter camp at Government Polytechnic College Sathra, established for displaced residents from Tehsil Mandi. The Deputy Commissioner, accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik and other officials, reviewed the availability of food, medicines, clothing, and water. The Tehsildar was directed to ensure that all basic amenities are provided without disruption.
To support the affected families, the District Administration has released immediate financial assistance from the District Red Cross Fund. Families of the deceased have been provided an ex gratia amount of Rs 6 lakh, while Rs 50,000 and Rs 20,000 have been extended to individuals with serious and minor injuries respectively. These measures, officials said, were taken in strict adherence to established relief norms.
“The administration is fully committed to the welfare of our people. No effort will be spared in providing relief and restoring normalcy,” Deputy Commissioner Kundal said, affirming that the district machinery continues to remain on high alert.
Poonch, already a frontline district vulnerable to ceasefire violations, has been one of the worst-hit regions in the latest escalation of hostilities. As the situation continues to be monitored closely, officials reiterated that both relief and preparedness measures will remain active in the days ahead. (With DIPR JK Inputs)
