New Delhi [India], May 22– Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is expected to visit Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, May 24, following severe storms and cross-border shelling that have left the region struggling with extensive damage, according to Congress party sources.
The district was hit by strong winds and storms on May 21, causing significant destruction to schools and public infrastructure. Several government schools, particularly in villages near the Line of Control (LoC) such as Gagrian and Sawjian, suffered serious structural damage. The Mandi zone was especially impacted, with roofs of schools completely blown off, affecting both students and staff.
“The high school here suffered the most. The roofs are gone, and it’s very close to the LoC. It’s creating a lot of problems for students,” a school staff member told.
The Indian Army has played a vital role in immediate relief efforts by assisting with debris clearance and temporary repairs. Locals have expressed gratitude for the Army’s support and have urged the government to provide financial aid for reconstruction.
“The Indian Army helped us a lot. I request the authorities to raise funds for rebuilding,” the staff member added.
Region Also Reeling from Cross-Border Shelling
In addition to storm damage, recent cross-border shelling by Pakistan has compounded the distress in Poonch and Rajouri districts. The situation worsened following Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in 26 deaths, including a Nepali national.
Following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan launched a series of drone and missile attacks targeting Indian military sites. However, India’s Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defence systems successfully intercepted the threats, preventing significant damage.
Government Response and Relief Measures
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has visited the storm and shelling-affected areas of Poonch and Rajouri, meeting with victims, civil administration, and security officials. He announced a range of relief and rehabilitation measures, including:
- Government jobs for the next of kin of deceased victims
- Compensation for those who lost homes or property
- Approval of a rehabilitation package by the central government
- Construction of new bunkers to protect residents near the LoC
“A necessity for bunkers is being felt. New bunkers will be built so that people of J&K can stay safe,” Sinha said.
Several villages across J&K continue to suffer from storm-related livelihood losses, with both infrastructure rebuilding and security concerns becoming urgent priorities for the administration.
Rahul Gandhi’s upcoming visit is seen as a gesture of solidarity with the affected residents and a move to bring national attention to the region’s dual crisis of natural disaster and conflict.