Uri (Baramulla): A high-level BJP delegation led by General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul and Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi visited several border villages in Uri sector of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Saturday. The visit comes in the wake of cross-border shelling by Pakistan, following India’s Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory strike launched on May 7 after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians.
During the visit, the leaders assessed damage, interacted with affected families, and promised swift relief, including the construction of individual safety bunkers in the region.
“We Are With You”: BJP Delegation Offers Solidarity to Uri Residents
Speaking at the site, Darakhshan Andrabi told media:
“We saw firsthand the damage caused to homes and infrastructure. While the loss of life was limited, the financial losses are grave. We have provided immediate relief and will present our assessment to the Central Government for further aid.”
The delegation visited damaged homes and community areas, speaking with villagers who lost property, livelihoods, and access to basic needs.
Residents Plead for Safety and Peace
Victims of the shelling voiced urgent appeals for shelter, food, and long-term security.
A young woman named Saima, displaced by the attacks, said:
“We have nothing left—only these clothes. We need bunkers for safety. My father is poor. We appeal to the government for help and a place to live. Above all, we need peace.”
Another resident emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire to preserve education and agricultural activities, stating:
“Our agriculture is ruined. The ceasefire must continue so we can rebuild our lives.”
Call for Individual Bunkers Gains Momentum
In light of the ongoing tensions and the recurrence of cross-border hostilities, bunker construction has emerged as a major public demand. Darakhshan Andrabi stressed the necessity:
“Every house should have a bunker. Border homes must be built with safety in mind.”
Chief Minister Abdullah echoed this sentiment, stating:
“The people no longer want community bunkers. They’ve demanded individual bunkers, and we will provide them to all affected regions.”
Background: Operation Sindoor and Its Aftermath
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The precision strikes reportedly neutralised over 100 terrorists, including members of Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Pakistan responded with cross-border shelling and attempted drone attacks targeting civilian areas in Jammu, Kashmir, and along the Line of Control. The Indian military later launched coordinated attacks on radar stations, airfields, and communication centres across 11 Pakistani airbases.
A cessation of hostilities was mutually agreed upon and announced on May 10, though local tensions and civilian anxieties remain high in border zones.