Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 7: Former Union Ministers and senior Congress leaders Dr Karan Singh and Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz have expressed deep anguish over the killing of innocent civilians in Pakistani firing in R S Pura and condemned the act of Pak forces, while the Dy Chief Minister Tara Chand and Ministers- Ajay Sadhotra and Raman Bhalla paid visit to several firing affected villages today.
Dr Singh in a press statement issued here today said that the frequent incidents of firing in Jammu and Kashmir along international border as well as Line of Control, to which the Indian forces are surely giving an adequate response, are a matter of serious concern. A number of citizens living on the border have lost their lives, many received injuries and a large number of houses have been damaged. A general atmosphere of tension and confrontation is growing. This must not be allowed to lead to a major frame up. Dr Singh urged the Pakistan to cease the violations so that the border remains peaceful and safe for the people living on both sides.
Dr Karan Singh also expressed his deep sympathy to the victims of these incidents and trust that the State and Central Governments will take necessary action to compensate and rehabilitate the sufferers and ensure the safety of the people living on the borders.
Prof Soz said, “It is so tragic that Pakistan has resorted to repeated firing in the R S Pura sector of Jammu. It is so unfortunate that the unwarranted firing has resulted in the killing of five persons and injuries to over 38 in R S Pura, Pargwal and Kanha Chak areas. I express my deep anguish over the killing of innocent persons besides causing great loss to the property. Such acts are decidedly condemnable,” he maintained.
Meanwhile, Dy Chief Minister Tara Chand conducted extensive tour of Pak shelling affected Pargwal and Khour villages and assured the people all administrative support. Accompanied by senior officers and party leaders, Tara Chand visited Hamirpur Kona, Gajral, Nikkowal, Burj Chhanni, Nai Basti, Mala Bela, Nazwal, Mahant- De-Pattian and other villages and took stock of the situation. He asked the people to remain vigilant and stay indoor during firing.
While interacting with the affected families, the DyCM assured them all required help from the Government and directed the civil administration and police to be vigilant in the area and respond immediately at times of crisis. He also directed the concerned officers to remain in their respective jurisdictions to deal with the emergency situation and act promptly. SDM Khour and SP Rural also accompanied him.
Minister for Planning and Development Ajay Sadhotra paid visit to the Pak firing affected areas of Gajansoo, Chinore Farm, Panjore, Dabh Sudan area of Kanha Chak and Marh and took stock of the situation in view of Pakistani firing. The Minister along with senior officers of civil and police administration interacted with the affected villagers and assured them full protection. Mr Sadhotra termed the act of Pakistani troops as cowardice and asked people to remain vigilant. SDM Marh and SP Rural also accompanied him.
Minister for Housing, Horticulture, Culture and Sports, Raman Bhalla along with SDM Shahid Mehmood and other senior police and civil officers visited several Pak firing affected villages in Bishnah and R S Pura today and took stock of situation. He interacted with the affected villagers and assured full assistance from the Government. He also directed the officers to act promptly in case of emergency. The Minister also advised the villagers to stay indoor and at safer places. Later, he visited village Mahashan-de-Kothe and expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.
Former Minister and senior Congress leader Mula Ram visited Pak firing affected areas of Kanha Chak and took stock of the situation. While condemning the act of Pakistani forces, he said that many people and their cattle have been killed and injured in the shelling. A large number of houses have also suffered damage. He said the people are frightened and need shelter at safer places. Mula Ram urged upon the Central Government to ensure the safety of the border people.
State president of Janata Dal (Secular) Mast Nath Yogi, other members Kulbeer Singh and Ranjay Bargotra expressed serious concern over the increasing Pakistani shelling along Jammu border and condemned the act of targeting civilians by Pak troops. They alleged that Modi Government has failed to protect the life and property of its citizens. They demanded ex-gratia-relief for the family members of those killed in the firing.
Meanwhile, Congress Seva Dal activists led by Balwinder Singh Sambyal (State chief organizer), took out protest march against Pakistan at Vijaypur in district Samba today. They were protesting against the innocent killings by Pakistani troops in Arnia. They alleged that due to weak policies of Modi Government, the Pakistani forces were resorting to such acts. Mr Sambyal alleged that BJP Government has failed to protect life and property of citizens.
Awami National Conference has also condemned the killing of five innocent civilians in Pak firing and demanded that Modi Government should take up the issue with the Pakistani authorities strongly. In a press statement, provincial president of the party Gian Singh and Youth wing chief Raj Sharma district president Vijay Magotra said that gun is no solution, both the Governments must resolve the issue through dialogue. They stressed upon the Government to provide all possible help and facilities to the villagers dislocated due to firing.
J&K NPP general secretary Anita Thakur and other senior leaders Bansi Lal, Sewa Singh Bali and Gagan Partap have also condemned the Pakistani firing and urged from the Government to ensure safety of the civilians. They said the Modi Government must give befitting reply to the Pakistani forces and take tough stand against that Government. They also visited GMC Hospital and inquired about the health of the injured persons in firing.
Jammu Province People’s Forum in a meeting held today under the leadership of M S Katoch strongly condemned the Pakistani firing on innocent civilians and urged the Government of India to take serious note of it. Mr Katoch said no substantial change has been witnessed in the foreign and defence policy of the country with the coming of new Government. The condition on borders has further deteriorated. M L Sharma and Inderjeet Khajuria, senior members of the Forum also condemned the innocent killings in Pak firing.
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