Latest news with #VikasKundal
Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Village-level teams to assess damages in shelling affected areas of Poonch
Poonch deputy commissioner Vikas Kundal on Thursday chaired a meeting with district officers to formulate a coordinated strategy for the assessment and verification of damages caused due to recent cross border shelling in the district. The meeting discussed the constitution of village-level committees (VLCs) for carrying out detailed, on ground assessment of affected structures across the border villages. The meeting was attended in person by additional district development commissioner (ADDC), additional deputy commissioner (ADC), assistant commissioner revenue (ACR), tehsildar Haveli, and headquarters tehsildar. Sub-divisional magistrates of Surankote and Mendhar, along with tehsildars of Mandi, Mankote, Surankote and Balakote, joined the session virtually, ensuring representation from all affected areas and administrative subdivisions. Kundal laid out the plan for constituting the teams that will include officials from the rural development and panchayati raj (RD&PR) department, revenue department, animal and sheep husbandry, the public health engineering (PHE) department, public works department and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). These committees will visit the affected locations to verify and document the extent of damage to structures caused by the shelling. The damage will be classified into three categories: Full damage, severe damage and partial damage based on the physical condition of each structure. Moreover, the damages would be categorised as private property, commercial and government owned, thereby ensuring a comprehensive profile of all losses sustained. Kundal emphasised the need for a swift and transparent verification process to ensure timely assistance and rehabilitation of affected families. He directed all concerned departments to provide full cooperation to the committees and ensure accurate documentation, supported by photographic and written evidence. The administration will review the progress of this initiative in the coming days, with follow-up meetings scheduled to address emerging challenges and expedite the response efforts. DC Poonch distributes relief among shelling victims In a compassionate initiative, Poonch deputy commissioner Vikas Kundal distributed relief material among the families affected by the cross-border shelling. The distribution took place within the premises of the DC Office, where the victims were provided with essential items including warm blankets, ration kits, and other necessary household supplies. Alongside material aid, the DC also extended immediate cash assistance to support the urgent needs of the affected families. Indian Army conducts medical assistance, civil interaction under Op Milap Indian Army successfully conducted a medical assistance and civilian outreach programme in the border villages of Jhullas and Salotri in Poonch district as part of 'Operation Milap'. The initiative focuses on delivering essential medical care, psychological support and community interaction to residents severely impacted by the ongoing shelling incidents in the region. The medical team from the Indian Army, provided general health check-ups, distributed medicines and offered counselling sessions to help civilians cope with trauma and stress. Special attention was given to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, women and children. Medical kits, hygiene essentials and emergency aid supplies were also distributed to the affected households. In addition to healthcare, the team engaged with local residents through interactive sessions to understand their immediate needs and provide reassurance and solidarity. Residents expressed gratitude for the timely assistance and praised the efforts of the Indian Army.
Indian Express
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Before rebuilding can begin in Poonch, some stocktaking
Village-level committees (VLCs), comprising officials from various departments, will be set up to assess and verify the damage caused in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district by the recent cross-border shelling from Pakistan, the administration decided Thursday. The decision came at a meeting chaired by Poonch Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal to formulate a coordinated strategy to carry out a detailed, on-ground assessment of damaged structures across border villages, a statement said. The VLCs will have officials from the departments of Revenue, Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Jal Shakti, Public Works, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. These committees will visit the affected areas to verify and document the extent of damage caused to structures by the shelling, the statement said. The damage, based on the physical condition of each structure, will be classified into three categories — full, severe and partial. Apart from this, the committees will also categorise the damaged structures as either private property, commercial, or government-owned, thereby ensuring a comprehensive profile of all the losses sustained, the statement said. The meeting was attended in person by the Additional District Development Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, and the tehsildars of Haveli and Headquarters. The Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Surankote and Mendhar, and the tehsildars of Mandi, Mankote, Surankote and Balakote, joined the meeting virtually. Emphasising the need for a swift and transparent verification process to ensure timely assistance and rehabilitation of affected families, the Poonch Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to provide full cooperation to the VLCs and ensure accurate documentation, supported by photographic and written evidence. The administration will review the progress of this initiative in the coming days, with followup meetings scheduled to address emerging challenges and expedite the response efforts, he added. Meanwhile, to ensure that no loss goes unreported and no affected family is left behind, the Poonch district administration has launched the 'Report to Support' initiative to help those affected by the shelling. Giving tehsil-wise WhatsApp contact numbers to enable people to directly report damage to their property or livestock via WhatsApp, this campaign enables residents impacted by the shelling to get swift assessment and assistance. However, reporting through this medium will not replace the on-ground verification process, the statement said. Instead, it empowers residents to inform the administration of their losses directly, ensuring no one goes unattended or overlooked. Poonch district was the worst hit during Pakistan's shelling in border areas in the aftermath of India's Operation Sindoor. As many as 13 people died in Poonch as a result of the shelling, and extensive damage to property and livestock was also reported.
The Hindu
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Calm returns to villages near LoC in Jammu and Kashmir after guns, cannons fall silent
As the guns fell silent on the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire, displaced residents of border villages on Sunday (May 11, 2025) sounded hopeful of returning to their homes. However, many such villages may still remain out of bounds for residents because of littered live explosives. Officials said the border districts of Kupwara and Baramulla in the Kashmir Valley, and Poonch and Rajouri in the Pir Panjal Valley, witnessed much-needed calm after many days of shelling and cross-border firing, which left at least 18 civilians dead. Many villagers in both Jammu and Kashmir regions began returning to their damaged houses and resumed their daily routine. India-Pakistan ceasefire LIVE: Follow the latest updates for May 11, 2025 In Baramulla's Uri, shops reopened and people were seen shopping in the main market. Villages around Uri were among the worst affected in Pakistan's shelling, with over a dozen structures damaged. Around 100 families had fled Silikote, Salamabad, Churanda and pockets that fall near the Zero Line along the LoC. Around 500 people had to take refuge at multiple centres, including two schools in Baramulla, after the Pakistan Army resorted to heavy shelling. Scores of children who missed school were excited to rejoin their school. 'We study in a school in Uri tehsil. I have not seen my classmates for many days now. I am excited to go back to school once it reopens. I pray shelling doesn't take place again,' Sadia Ji, a student of Class 8, said. The Poonch district in the Jammu region had borne the brunt of Pakistan shelling. An official said the district's police and court complexes sustained damage in the shelling. Vikas Kundal, Deputy Commissioner of Poonch, visited several localities including Qazi Mohra, Dungus, Sarain, Jamia Zia Ul Uloom, Geeta Bhawan, Kamsar and Kama Khan. 'All of these areas suffered damage due to shelling,' Mr. Kundal said. Out of the 18 civilian deaths in the Union Territory, 14 were from Poonch district. Meanwhile, the police urged locals to avoid returning to frontline areas. 'We are not allowed to return. We are told the area will be cleared first,' a said displaced local from Silikote at the Government Women's College, Baramulla, which serves as a shelter for the displaced population from Uri. The police said there was risk of 'unexploded munitions after Pakistani shelling'. National Conference leader and MLA from Uri Sajjad Shafi said the 'unexploded shells are scattered from Dachi to Kamalkote and Duwalta to Garkote in Uri'. 'The ceasefire has been in effect only for the past 24 hours. Let the area be sanitised and unexploded shells cleared. It will take a couple of days. We will alert people to return to their villages thereafter,' Mr. Shafi said. Former J&K Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti visited Salamabad near the LoC. 'Our wounded lie in hospitals. Our families huddle in shelters. Our homes are reduced to rubble. This is why Kashmir cries out for peace, not war,' Ms. Mufti said. She said those who beat the drums of war don't hear our children weep. 'They don't see our parents breaking under the weight of fear and loss. We need homes, not bunkers. We want our children to grow and not be buried under violence. The war-mongering must stop,' the PDP president said. In an appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ms. Mufti said, 'Decision-makers should prioritise dialogue over military escalation. Let us build a future where the children of J&K can live without fear,' she added.
The Print
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Ex-gratia assistance disbursed among Pak-shelling victims in J&K's Poonch
An ex-gratia amount of Rs 6 lakh each has been provided to the next of kin of the deceased, Rs 50,000 to those who sustained serious injuries and Rs 20,000 to individuals with minor injuries, the spokesperson said. Thirteen people, including four children and two women, were killed and more than 40 injured in intense Pakistani shelling in Poonch district, after Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes on terror infrastructure across the border on Wednesday. Jammu, May 8 (PTI) Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch on Thursday disbursed immediate relief and ex-gratia assistance from the district Red Cross fund to individuals and their families affected by Pakistani shelling, an official spokesperson said. He said the relief has been extended in accordance with established norms to ensure timely support to the victims. Poonch Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal reaffirmed the administration's commitment to public welfare and said all necessary assistance will continue for those affected. The district administration is actively monitoring the situation and taking all measures to safeguard the wellbeing of the residents, he said. Kundal also visited the district hospital to inquire about those injured in the shelling and admitted to the facility. During his visit, the deputy commissioner interacted with the injured and expressed his heartfelt solidarity with the bereaved family members. He assured them of comprehensive support and assistance from the administration amid this challenging time. In a directive to the medical staff, Kundal emphasised the importance of providing the best possible treatment to the injured. He also visited the blood bank to review the availability of blood and directed the staff there to ensure an adequate and uninterrupted supply to meet any emergency needs. Later, the deputy commissioner visited the Government Polytechnic College Sathra, one of the nine designated shelter camps for the border residents of Mandi tehsil. All necessary facilities, including food, power, water and sanitation, have been made available at the shelter camps, he said. The deputy commissioner also convened a meeting to review the status of essential services and initiate measures to expedite the restoration of critical supply chains across this border district. He directed the jal shakti and power development departments to ensure the restoration of water and electricity supplies within two hours in all affected areas, while the consumer affairs and public distribution department was asked to take immediate measures to ensure adequate and uninterrupted supply of ration, particularly in areas along the Line of Control (LoC). The district administration is closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all citizens, Kundal said. PTI TAS RC This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Hindu
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Operation Sindoor: At least 12 civilians and one soldier killed, many injured in shelling by Pakistan in J&K
At least 12 civilians, including three women and three children, were killed, and 51 others injured as the Pakistan Army resorted to heavy mortar shelling and firing on villages, hitting scores of houses and vehicles in four districts close to the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K on Wednesday. Follow 'Operation Sindoor' LIVE One Indian soldier was killed in 'unprovoked shelling by Pakistani forces' close to the LoC in the Poonch sector, officials said. The Pakistan Army's intensification of mortar shelling in Rajouri and Poonch districts in the Jammu division, and Kupwara and Baramulla districts in the Kashmir Valley followed India's 'Operation Sindoor' missile strikes on terror camps inside Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) on Tuesday night. Residents living close to the border areas were gripped with a sense of fear as casualties rose in the shelling incidents, with the authorities setting up temporary shelters in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and R.S. Pora. Officials said the shelling impacted Balakote, Mendhar, Mankote, Krishna Ghati, Gulpur, Kerni, and Poonch town, and left around 42 injured. When contacted, Vikas Kundal, Deputy Commissioner, Poonch, could not furnish details on the casualties in Poonch. Sources said admissions of injured persons to the hospital in Poonch had been increasing since Wednesday morning. 'Amarjeet Singh, 47, an ex-serviceman, was sleeping with his kin in a room when a mortar shell hit the ceiling and created a big hole. He suffered splinter injuries and died,' Singh's neighbour in Kamakhan area said. Several residents of Poonch said the town had been affected for the first time since the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan. 'Mortars shattered glass in houses, damaged buildings, and created holes in parked vehicles,' a resident of Qazi Mohra said. Officials said three children aged between 12 and 14 years also died in mortar shelling in the Kalaani and Dungus areas. In the Kashmir Valley, nine civilians were injured in mortar shelling and firing in Baramulla's Uri, and Kupwara's Chowkibal and Tangdhar areas. Around one dozen structures, including houses, were damaged in the shelling. India has launched #OperationSindoor, a precise and restrained response to the barbaric #PahalgamTerrorAttack that claimed 26 lives, including one Nepali citizen. Focused strikes were carried out on nine #terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and… — Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) May 6, 2025 'We could only hear loud explosions, and see flashes of light and flames in the dead of night,' a relative of the injured Ayan Yunus, 8, said. Most of the injured were shifted to the Baramulla Government Medical College. The Indian Army, in a statement, said it was responding in a 'proportionate manner'. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired an emergency meeting with the Deputy Commissioners of all border districts through video conferencing to assess the situation in the wake of intense cross-border shelling in these districts. Mr. Abdullah directed the immediate release of ₹5 crore to each border district, and ₹2 crore to each of the other districts, 'so that Deputy Commissioners are equipped to deal with the exigencies arising and requiring availability of adequate resources'. The Chief Minister directed the Health Department to maintain sufficient stock of essential medical supplies, ensuring the availability of doctors and paramedics, and keeping supplies of blood ready in case of any depletion in hospitals, especially in vulnerable areas.
