SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Chief Tariq Hameed Karra on Tuesday visited the shelling-affected areas of Poonch and expressed deep anguish over the recent civilian casualties.
Accompanied by other senior Congress leaders, Karra, called on both the central and JK governments to immediately accord martyr status to those who lost their lives in the shelling incidents along the border.
Speaking to the media during his visit, Karra condemned what he termed as “unprovoked violence from across the border” and said that those who lost their lives made sacrifices for the nation and deserved full state honours and recognition.
“These individuals made the ultimate sacrifice. We strongly appeal that they be given martyr status and extended all government benefits accordingly,” he said.
Karra also expressed sorrow over the killing of a local religious scholar, known affectionately as Qari Sahib, stating that he was a respected figure and his family had been serving religious duties in the region for generations. “To malign such a figure after death is not just an accusation against one man, but to the entire community,” Karra added.
He also demanded that the Prime Minister announce a special PM’s package for the relief and rehabilitation of the affected people in the region.
Karra further mentioned that the Prime Minister had not acknowledged the victims in his recent speech. “It is unfortunate that the PM did not name the martyrs of Poonch. We demand he announce a special Prime Minister’s package for the affected families to help them rebuild their lives,” he said. (KNO)
