J&K CM Visits Camps Amid Ongoing Border Fire

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday travelled from Srinagar to Jammu to review the security and humanitarian situation after a failed drone attack and continued ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and international border. His visit included meetings with displaced residents, injured civilians, and inspections of relief camps and medical facilities.

While interacting with those taking shelter in Samba, the Chief Minister assured residents that all necessary arrangements had been made. “We are doing everything we can. Food is given three times a day, sanitation facilities are available, doctors are available in all the camps, ambulances are arranged... we are ensuring they face as few problems as possible by staying here,” Abdullah stated.

He emphasised the extent of damage in Poonch district, which has borne the brunt of the recent hostilities. “Poonch has suffered a huge loss. Poonch has the highest number of casualties and the most injured. I was in Jammu hospital sometime before, and all the injured admitted there are from Poonch... the situation in Poonch is grim. Dy CM is trying to reach Poonch, if he reaches there, he will meet the people there,” he added.

Ceasefire violations were reported overnight as Pakistani forces targeted civilian areas in Poonch, Rajouri, and Jammu districts, prompting Indian troops to respond. 

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, 13 civilians were killed in Poonch on Wednesday, and a total of 59 people were injured across the region, 44 of them in Poonch. Local residents condemned the Pakistani military for targeting civilians and expressed grief over the loss of innocent lives.

During his visit, Abdullah also inspected the Government Medical College (GMC) in Jammu, where he enquired about the condition of those wounded in the shelling. He was accompanied by Advisor Nasir Wani. 

He later visited the shelter camps where he interacted with displaced families, listened to their grievances, and reiterated the government’s commitment to their welfare. He instructed officials to ensure the timely provision of essential services without any delays.

The Chief Minister’s visit followed a failed Pakistani drone strike in Jammu. 

An infiltration attempt by militants, reportedly backed by Pakistani forces, was also foiled in Samba district. The Border Security Force (BSF) confirmed that the incident occurred around 11 pm on Thursday night. A spokesperson said the infiltrators were pushed back across the international border.

In Baramulla district, heavy mortar fire from across the LoC resulted in civilian casualties. A shell struck a vehicle travelling from Razerwani to Baramulla near Mohura, killing a woman identified as Nargis Begum and injuring another, Hafeeza Begum.

Pakistani shelling continued in multiple sectors including Uri, Tangdhar, Poonch, Rajouri along the LoC, and Samba along the international border. In response to the threats, a blackout was enforced across Jammu and Srinagar after sirens warned residents of potential incoming attacks. Partial power restoration has since been carried out in both cities.

As a precautionary measure, authorities announced the closure of all educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday and Saturday. 

Education Minister Sakina Itoo confirmed that all private and government-run schools, colleges, and universities would remain shut for safety reasons. The Registrar of the University of Kashmir also stated that classes would be suspended for the day.

Security forces remain on high alert amid continued tension in the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

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