Rahul Gandhi to ‘adopt’ 22 children orphaned in Pakistan shelling

New Delhi: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has pledged to ‘adopt’ nearly two dozen children who lost their parents during the India-Pakistan shelling in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

JK Congress president Tariq Hamid Karra told The Indian Express that Gandhi will cover the educational expenses of 22 children from Poonch whose parents or sole breadwinners were killed in Pakistani shelling. The first installment of aid is set to be disbursed on Wednesday to help the children continue their studies. “This support will continue until they complete their graduation,” Karra added.

During a visit to Poonch in May, Gandhi had asked party workers to identify affected children. A subsequent survey was conducted, and the final list was prepared after verifying government records.

While in the region, Gandhi also visited Christ Public School, where two students — 12-year-old twins Urba Fatima and Zain Ali — were among the victims. Speaking to the children, the Indian Express quoted him saying, “I’m very proud of you. I know you miss your friends. I’m sorry for your loss. It’s okay to feel afraid, but things will return to normal. The best way to respond is to study hard, play hard, and make new friends.”

Poonch was among the worst-hit areas in the shelling, including an attack on Zia ul Aloom, a religious school, where several children were injured.