Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 26: Minister for Planning, Labour and Employment, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra visited several border villages in block Marh and took stock of extensive damage and situation arisen due to shelling by Pakistan.
The Minister was accompanied by senior officers of different departments besides Panchs and Sarpanchs during his tour of Lalyal Camp, Beli Azmad, Panjor, Dub Sudaan, Dab Karamd and adjoining villages in Marh block of border belt to review the situation.
Assessing the situation along the border areas, the Minister stressed for making immediate arrangements for safe stay of villagers. Moreover, the State Government has also prepared a comprehensive contingency plan to cope up with the situation, he maintained.
Sadhotra said that people living close to IB and LoC are facing severe difficulties and it was prime responsibility of the Government to protect the citizens.
The Minister said that Union Home Minister and Chief Minister also visited the border areas and took stock of situation so that early rehabilitation measures would be ensured. The Minister said that adequate compensation for the damage would be provided in view of mounting tension along borders.
Sadhotra urged the people not to leave their homes following rumors until the civil administration makes alternate arrangement for their halt at safer places.
The people of border villages demanded special assistance for loss of crops and property. The Minister assured that their demands and grievances would be given due consideration at concerned quarters.