Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, May 13: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Chief Tariq Hameed Karra on Tuesday visited the shelling-affected areas of Poonch and expressed deep anguish over the recent civilian casualties.
Accompanied by other senior Congress leaders, Karra called on both the central and J&K governments to immediately accord martyr status to those who lost their lives in shelling incidents along the border.
Speaking to the media during his visit, Karra condemned what he termed “unprovoked violence from across the border” and said those who lost their lives gave sacrifices for the nation and deserve full state honours and recognition.
“These individuals made the ultimate sacrifice. We strongly appeal that they be given martyr status and extended all government benefits accordingly,” he said.
Karra also expressed sorrow over the killing of a local religious scholar, known affectionately as Qari Sahib, stating that he was a respected figure and the family he belonged to had been serving the religious duties in the region for generations. “To malign such a figure after death is not just an accusation to one man but to the entire community,” Karra said.
He also demanded that the Prime Minister should announce a PM’s package for the relief and rehabilitation of the affected people in the region.
Karra also mentioned the Prime Minister for not mentioning the victims in his recent speech. He said, “It is unfortunate that the PM did not name the martyrs of Poonch. We demand he announce a special Prime Minister’s package for the affected families to help them rebuild their lives.”
