PM Modi announces additional aid for families hit by cross-border shelling

United News of India

18 hours ago

Katra (J&K), June 6 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced additional financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each for families whose houses were severely damaged due to cross-border shelling from Pakistan.
Addressing a public gathering here, the Prime Minister stated that households suffering severe damage due to cross-border firing will now receive Rs 2 lakh, while those with partially damaged homes will be granted Rs 1 lakh. This assistance is in addition to the support already provided earlier by the government, an official statement said.
He emphasised the government's commitment to the well-being of those affected, noting that families who lost loved ones in the shelling have already received appointment letters for government aid.
Recognising the hardship faced by over 2,000 families impacted by the shelling, PM Modi reaffirmed the government's solidarity with the victims, saying, 'Their pain is the nation's pain.'
Stating that the government recognises border residents as the nation's frontline protectors, Modi said, 'Over the past decade, unprecedented efforts have been made to strengthen development and security in border districts'.
Highlighting key initiatives, Modi said that approximately 10,000 new bunkers have been constructed, which played a critical role in safeguarding lives during the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. He also announced the formation of two new border battalions for the Jammu and Kashmir division, further enhancing security operations in the region.
Additionally, he said two dedicated women battalions have also been successfully established, reinforcing defence capabilities and empowering women in the armed forces.
Emphasising the significant infrastructure development taking place in India's international border regions, particularly in challenging terrains, the Prime Minister announced that hundreds of crores are being invested to improve connectivity and security.
'The Kathua-Jammu Highway is being upgraded into a six-lane expressway, while the Akhnoor-Poonch Highway is undergoing widening to facilitate smoother travel. Under the Vibrant Village Programme, development initiatives in border villages have been accelerated, ensuring better living conditions and opportunities for residents,' the Prime Minister said.
He mentioned that 400 villages in Jammu and Kashmir, previously lacking all-weather connectivity, are now being linked with 1,800 km of newly constructed roads. He announced allocation of over Rs 4,200 crore for these infrastructure projects, reinforcing economic growth and regional development in border areas.
Earlier, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore at Katra.
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