Deliberate bid to harm civilians in cross-LoC shelling: Omar Abdullah

SRINAGAR — J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that a deliberate attempt was made from across the Line of Control (LoC) to inflict maximum civilian harm in recent cross-border shelling in Jammu and Kashmir.

As many as 21 civilians, including five children, lost their lives in Jammu and Kashmir in four days of the cross-border shelling beginning May 7. Fifteen persons died in Poonch district, which witnessed heavy artillery firing from the Pakistan Army.

Omar, who visited shelling-affected areas of Uri in Baramulla district on Wednesday, said Pakistan fired indiscriminately in civilian areas.

“During the two to three days, they fired indiscriminately in civilian areas, and it felt as if they were deliberately trying to maximise civilian casualties,” Omar told reporters in Uri.

He expressed relief over the ceasefire, saying, “Thankfully, the DGMO from the other side picked up the phone and spoke, resulting in the ceasefire. As of now, the border and Line of Control are silent.”

Omar also highlighted the administration’s response to the crisis, stating that damage assessment and relief work have already begun and will continue over the coming days.

“It will take time, but we will ensure that the affected people are rehabilitated,” he said.

In response to growing fears among residents, Omar noted a renewed demand for individual bunkers.

“People had stopped thinking about bunkers in recent years. But these past few days have reminded everyone how bad the border situation can get. Whether it is on the Jammu or Kashmir side, wherever I went, people asked for individual bunkers and not the community bunkers,” Omar said.

“First, we will provide relief immediately. Then, we will talk to the Central government and will arrange bunkers for all the areas that have been affected by the shelling,” he added.

When asked whether anyone gained from the recent skirmishes, Omar responded, saying, “Ask the families who had to bury or cremate their loved ones — what benefit did they get?”

Omar said that he has maintained India didn’t start this fight.

“We did not start this fight. Our innocent people were attacked in Pahalgam. 26 people lost their lives. I have said this from day one. If the guns are silenced from there, then the guns here will be silenced by themselves,” he said.

Omar also offered condolences to the family of Nargis Begum, who lost her life in the shelling, saying, “No words can express the depth of their grief or the magnitude of this tragedy.”