SRINAGAR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Poonch on Friday to meet families affected by recent Pakistani shelling during the Indian Army’s Operation Sindoor.
Accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, senior officials, and top security personnel, Amit Shah is scheduled to meet the affected families to offer condolences and financial assistance.
Sources said that the Home Minister will also visit local religious places and address personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) stationed in the region.
Poonch bore the heaviest civilian toll in the cross-border hostilities between May 7 and May 10, with 14 of the total 28 civilian casualties reported from the district. Shah’s visit aims to express solidarity with the bereaved families and assure them of the central government’s continued support.
Operation Sindoor, launched in early May, was initiated in response to a series of escalated ceasefire violations, drone incursions, and targeted civilian attacks from across the Line of Control. The operation has since brought heightened military presence and intensified surveillance in border districts like Poonch and Rajouri.
Earlier, Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting in Jammu late Thursday night. The discussion focused on the prevailing situation in the border regions and preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.
“The government will leave no stone unturned to provide all required facilities to the Amarnath pilgrims,” Shah stated during the meeting. He directed security forces to maintain the highest level of vigilance to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Shah added, “Chaired a review meeting for the Amarnath Pilgrimage and evaluated the security arrangements and preparedness meant for the pilgrims. Instructed to maintain utmost vigilance and ensure seamless completion of the sacred journey.”
The annual Amarnath Yatra, a key spiritual pilgrimage attracting thousands of devotees from across the country, is scheduled to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 9.
Tight security arrangements were in place for Shah’s visit, with drone surveillance, aerial monitoring, and additional paramilitary deployments in sensitive areas. (KINS)
