Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit increases the confidence of the Poonch people, Operation Sindoor was a horrible experience for us, say locals; The nation stands with the people of Poonch: Amit Shah

Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit increases the confidence of the Poonch people, Operation Sindoor was a horrible experience for us, say locals; The nation stands with the people of Poonch: Amit Shah

SALIL RAINA

(POONCH TODAY NEWS)

POONCH: The Home Minister, Amit Shah, who visited Poonch the other day to inspect the ground situation after the Pakistan shelling, said that the nation stands with the people of Poonch by all means. Shah’s visit has increased the confidence of the people, which was totally shattered during the Pakistan shelling amid a complete administrative deficit on the ground, as the people were feeling like “orphans.”

After the shelling was stopped, locals said that Operation Sindoor was a horrifying experience for them because they had no one at their back. It is said that one can not prepare for the dry weather by simply drinking plenty of water in advance, but unfortunately, due to the lack of vision, the district administration did the same, as no timely efforts were made by the district administration to address the much-expected response on the border after the Pahalgam attack to prevent unnecessary obstacles, despite conducting regular pre-shelling meetings and later attempts by the administration to present a positive picture in front of the Union Home Minister, who was stationed at Poonch. Notwithstanding the fact that Poonch district remained ignored for decades by the successive state and union governments from a development and security point of view, it’s the nationalist people of Poonch who always stood strongly for the nation during all the wars fought with Pakistan and paid a heavy price. Despite their strong nationalist credentials, the people of Poonch have been treated like “orphans,” and the same was also witnessed again by the people during the three days of intense shelling by Pakistan because there was no administration on the ground, and people were seen praying to God only for their safety. All essential services remained non-functional for some days. No efforts were made from any quarter to guide the people on what to do during hours of crisis, although, in front of the home minister, the administration was seen projecting questionable achievements, including timely evacuation of people during the shelling. Many people, while sharing their views with “POONCH TODAY,” said that they were only at the mercy of God. Even the radio station Poonch was closed as the concerned officials left Poonch city, and it raised a big question mark on AIR Poonch, which needs a detailed investigation from the union government. Although PM Modi and his team avenged the Pahalgam terror attack, the question arises, who will avenge the Pakistani shelling at Poonch, in which 13 innocent lives attained martyrdom? After shelling, thousands of people were seen running for safety to far-flung areas, even on foot. Private vehicles were seen charging heavy amounts for traveling to Jammu. After the shelling was stopped, the officers of the administration were seen visiting different places to take stock of the situation. Why were the officers of the administration absent on the ground during the crisis? Why were no efforts made from the administration to inform the public about dos and don’ts during shelling? Why were people not directed to move to safer locations or remain inside amid chaos? Why were no appropriate plans made in advance after the Pahalgam attack, as it was evident that the union government would take tough action against the terror factory of Pakistan? After things became normal, many VIPs, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, LG J&K Manoj Singh, Leader of Opposition J&K Assembly Sunil Sharma, TMC MPs, former BJP president Ravinder Raina, and current BJP president Sat Sharma, besides Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and later Home Minister Amit Shah, visited Poonch to take stock of the situation that emerged after the ceasefire. Unfortunately, during the last more than three years, the Poonch district has failed to witness an efficient administration on the ground, as reports of brazen inefficiency, corruption, partiality, lack of wisdom on the part of the top brass, and administrative deficit issues remained in public discussion, and such a gesture from the successive weak administration is sufficient to indicate that the people of Poonch are “orphaned” when it comes to witnessing pro-people and efficient governance at the ground level. But the visit of Home Minister Amit Shah, who was accompanied by LG Manoj Singh, Jal Shakti Minister Javed Rana, and LOP Sunil Sharma, has given a new ray of hope to the people of Poonch for the future. Addressing the people after distributing the appointment letters to the members of the affected families, Shah said that the government, being led from the front by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has a clear-cut policy on terrorism, and Operation Sindoor was just one hard step against terrorism. Shah said that, based on accurate intelligence, the Indian forces targeted only the terror camps. Shah said that in an inhumane act, Pakistan targeted the civilian population, but the Indian forces in retaliation caused massive damage to the Pakistani defense infrastructure. He said that BSF destroyed 118 Pakistani posts during Operation Sindoor, and it’s a remarkable achievement within a short time. He further said that dismantling the enemy’s surveillance network was a significant blow, and it would take Pakistan years to rebuild the system. Shah said that after the Pahalgam attack, Indian forces gave a befitting response through Operation Sindoor. After suffering giant damages, Pakistan approached India for a ceasefire, he said. He appreciated the Indian military’s strong and pinpoint retaliation against the enemy. Shah asserted that the safety of people living in border areas is the top priority of the government. He assured full support of the government to the people of Poonch. The Home Minister also visited religious places and interacted with the people. For the protection of people in the border areas, the Home Minister announced more bunkers. He expressed deep sympathy with the families who lost loved ones in the recent shelling. The visit of Home Minister Amit Shah has given much-needed confidence to the people of Poonch, who have always alleged step motherly treatment for decades. Meanwhile, the successful Operation Sindoor has taught many things to the people of Poonch, and this horrifying experience that every Poonchi has gone through indicates that the district always requires an efficient administration, whether civil or police, a fact that has been ignored by the UT administration for long despite being strongly projected by “POONCH TODAY” time and again in the national interest. During Operation Sindoor, Poonch remained at the center of the conflict, but unfortunately, nobody came to the rescue of the people during hours of crisis as fourteen innocent people, including children, sacrificed their lives for the nation in the Poonch-Rajouri range. Since the Poonch district is near the LOC, it’s time for the union government to form an advanced-level plan and bless the district with efficient, bold, and far-sighted vision officers to secure the people in the future if Pakistan dares to target Poonch again, as Operation Sindoor has not finished yet. The nationalist people of Poonch don’t deserve to receive step motherly treatment time and again from the union government, as they are the first line of defense for the nation.