By The Sampadak Express
Gandhi Visits Conflict-Hit Poonch in J&K
Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday visited Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district to meet families affected by recent cross-border shelling from Pakistan. The visit comes in the aftermath of heightened hostilities between India and Pakistan following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam last month.
This marks Mr. Gandhi’s second visit to the Union Territory since the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.
Visit Follows Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam Attack
The Poonch sector recently experienced intense artillery and mortar shelling after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes were a direct response to the Pahalgam attack, which was traced to cross border elements. Pakistan retaliated with missile and drone attacks, all of which were successfully neutralized by Indian forces. The brief but intense hostilities ended with a ceasefire on May 10.
Rahul Gandhi Promises Support for Affected Families
During his visit, Mr. Gandhi met with families who suffered damage to homes and loss of lives due to the shelling. “Broken houses, scattered belongings, moist eyes, and painful stories these patriotic families bear the burden of conflict with great courage,” he said in a Hindi post on social media. “I salute their spirit and promise to raise their issues at the national level.”
He also took time to speak with local school students, reassuring them that peace would return. “You have faced a frightening situation, but don’t worry things will get back to normal. Your answer to this should be to study hard, play hard, and make lots of friends,” he told the children.
Region Stabilizes Amid Lingering Tension
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Gandhi described the destruction in the area as “huge” and reiterated his commitment to advocating for the affected families in Parliament.
Tensions remain high in the region, though the situation has stabilized since the ceasefire. Mr. Gandhi’s visit aimed to show solidarity with residents and highlight the need for national attention to their plight.
More articles:
