On the second day of his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday distributed appointment letters to the families of civilians killed in Pakistani shelling during Operation Sindoor, calling the move a reflection of the nation’s solidarity with border residents.
Speaking at the event in Poonch, Shah said, “Pakistan targeted civilian areas, religious places. Appointment letters have been given to the families of those affected by Pakistan's shelling during Operation Sindoor. This is a sign that the J&K government, central government and the nation's sentiments are connected with you."
Recalling the events of May 7, Shah stated, “On the night of 7th May, we destroyed the terrorist sites in Pakistan and PoK. This was a befitting reply given to terrorists on behalf of the crores of Indians. Hundreds of terrorists were killed in the operation. We launched an attack on terrorists, but Pakistan considered it an attack on itself. They showed the world that they are the ones who are sheltering terrorists.”
Shah said that the attacks caused severe damage in Poonch, marking the first time since independence that the region was subjected to such shelling. “Pakistan targeted the civilian areas in J&K and Poonch suffered the most damage. For the first time, firing was done on Poonch post-independence. The entire world is condemning the attack by Pakistan. The Indian Armed Forces gave a befitting reply by destroying nine Pakistani air bases and as a result, they had to come forward for a ceasefire.”
He added, “We have sent a message that India will not tolerate any attack on innocent civilians. Indian Armed Forces and every attack will be responded to with more precision and accuracy.”
On strengthening border safety, Shah highlighted, “More than 9,500 bunkers were constructed in the border areas and these bunkers played a major role in protecting the lives of the people. More bunkers will be constructed by the central government to protect the people during any problem.”
Condemning the targeting of civilians and religious places by Pakistan, he said, “Pakistan carried out a highly condemnable attack on residential areas and religious places. A programme has been organised to distribute appointment letters to the family members of those who were killed in these attacks. We all know that compensation and government jobs cannot compensate for the damage that has been done to their lives. However, it is just to express the feelings of the Jammu and Kashmir government, Centre and people of India that we are with them.”
Reaffirming the Centre’s policy, Shah said, “Terror and talks cannot go together; blood and water cannot flow together. This is our policy. I have come here to deliver the message that development of J&K will neither stop nor slow down.”
“Whoever tries to harm us will be given befitting and forceful response,” the Home Minister said, reiterating that the development process in the region will continue at full pace.
Shah added, “When Pakistan attacked our civilians, Indian Armed Forces gave a befitting reply, and destroyed nine of their airbases. Because of this, Pakistan came up with ceasefire proposal.”
This marks Amit Shah’s first visit to the Union Territory since Operation Sindoor. He had arrived in Jammu on Thursday evening and held a high-level security meeting at Raj Bhawan before visiting Poonch today.