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Those living in border areas want ceasefire to continue, but not TV anchors: CM Omar in Karnah
Says damage assesment to be completed by tomorrow, urges Centre to support compensation plan
Karnah: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan is the will of the people living along the border, and not a demand driven by TV anchors in far-off cities.
Speaking with reporters, during his visit to shelling-affected Karnah, CM Omar said that locals have suffered financial losses, but thankfully there has been no loss of life.
He said that the district administration is currently assessing the damage and compensation will be provided once the assessment is completed.
“We will complete the damage assessment today or tomorrow. Whatever compensation needs to be given, we will do that,” he said.
He said the community bunkers had been built earlier but were not used for a long time. “New bunkers have not been constructed in many years. People are now demanding individual bunkers. The government has a policy, and we will formulate a scheme for those living near the border and the LOC,” he added.
He said the state government will also speak to the government of India about the issue.
CM Omar said the people of border areas want the ceasefire to continue. “Only some TV anchors sitting far away in Noida and Mumbai don’t like the ceasefire. The people, who live near the border and the LoC want it to remain,” he said.
Regarding compensation norms, he said that under the SDRF rules, shops are not eligible for compensation. “A special package will be required. This isn’t just about Karnah. There are other areas like Uri, Rajouri, and Poonch where people need assistance,” he added.
In a tweet, Omar also said, “Visited the shelling-affected areas of Tangdhar and met families who have shown remarkable courage amidst deep pain. Their resilience is inspiring. The government stands shoulder to shoulder with them, their pain will not go unnoticed, and every possible step will be taken to help them rebuild their lives with dignity and renewed hope.” (KNO)