Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA/SAMBA, Oct 16: Describing that tension along border was in no body’s interest, former Union Minister and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam, Nabi Azad today lambasted Pakistani Army for deliberately targeting Indian civilians and creating tension along the border in Jammu sector.
“Tension along borders was neither in the interest of Pakistan nor India. The civilians on both the sides of the border are facing hardships. Same is the condition on that side and the neighbouring country should realize this fact and behave like good neighbour”, Mr Azad said while interacting with the border villagers at various temporary camps in the border areas of Kathua and Samba districts today.
Coming down heavily on the Pakistani troops, Mr Azad termed Pak forces as the rogue army because Pakistani authorities have no control over them. He said this is the worst example of indiscipline. “Even at crucial time, the Indian Army never targeted civilian areas but it is very unfortunate that Pakistan Army has never followed universal human right norms”, he said while expressing his grave concern over loss of precious human lives in the recent firing from across the border in Samba district.
Referring to the tragic incident of Chalyari village of Samba where two female members of the family lost their lives in shelling from cross the border, Mr Azad regretted that civilians were deliberately being targeted by the Army of neighbouring country.
Mr Azad asked Pakistan to desist from violating ceasefire, adding that tension on the borders is in nobody’s interest and it could also be detrimental for peace and stable environment in the sub-continent. He observed that sustained peace and normalcy is pre-requisite for progress and prosperity in the region.
Referring to the loss of life and injuries suffered by the people and the hardships caused to them due to firing from across the border, Mr Azad assured the people that the Government would take all the required measures for ensuring that they lead a safe and peaceful life.
While interacting with the border firing victims of district Kathua and Samba, who have been shifted to areas including Kali Bari, Chan Khatrian, Government Higher Secondary School Koota, Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Hiranagar and Government Boys Higher Secondary School Hiranagar, Mr Azad said that he would take up the issue with Union Government and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in regard to the alloting 5 marlas of land in the safer places for the people of the border belt, launching special drive for recruitment of youth of the border areas in Army and Para-Military forces, declaring border areas as RBA as well as providing compensation to the farmers for the crop loss.
He added that adequate measures would be taken on urgent basis for expansion and strengthening of healthcare services in the entire border belt.
Among others who were accompanying Azad included former minister Babu Singh, Ex-MLA Parkash Sharma, Ex- MLC Subash Gupta, Ex-MLA Girdari Lal Chalotra, Naresh Sharma, Rajneesh Sharma (Mian), Ajit Baba and Deputy Commissioners of Samba and Kathua.
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