Sajid Raina
Poonch, May 30: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday asserted that India’s strong retaliation during the recent India-Pakistan skirmishes between May 7 and 10 compelled Pakistan to seek a ceasefire, sending a stern message that any aggression against Indian civilians or armed forces will be met with a befitting response.
Addressing a gathering in this frontier town after distributing appointment letters to the family members of victims killed in Pakistan shelling, Shah condemned the shelling by Pakistan on civilian areas and expressed condolences over the loss of innocent lives. “I know no compensation or government job can ever replace the loss of a loved one, but these are symbols of the government’s and the nation’s solidarity with the families of the martyrs,” he said.
Shah lauded the bravery of the people of Poonch and the swift response by the administration during the three-day escalation. “The courage shown by Poonch residents and the officials is exemplary. The patriotism of the people of Jammu and Kashmir has inspired the entire country,” he said.
The Home Minister reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. “We are all aware that terrorists killed innocent people in Pahalgam. The policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is clear—any terror attack will be responded to decisively,” he said, adding “Terror camps inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were destroyed for the first time in the history.”
He said that while India targeted terrorist infrastructure, Pakistan responded by targeting civilians and religious places, including Gurdwaras, temples, and mosques. “Poonch suffered the maximum brunt of Pakistan’s unprovoked shelling. Our armed forces avenged the attack on civilians by targeting Pakistani airbases and installations, which forced them to seek a ceasefire,” Shah said.
He said, “Pakistan has proven that it nurtures and shields terrorists. We didn’t attack civilian areas or military installations. But Pakistan’s retaliation against attack on terror headquarters exposed its true face before the world.”
Announcing a special relief package, Shah said the Centre will provide a special compensation package for traders and residents affected by the shelling. “More bunkers will be constructed to ensure civilian safety. The bunkers built after 2014 saved many lives during this escalation,” he said.
The Home Minister reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s stance that “terror and talks, terror and trade, blood and water cannot flow together.”
He assured that Jammu and Kashmir’s development that started in 2014 will continue at a rapid pace and that any force trying to harm India will be punished.”
The Union Home Minister praised the coordinated efforts of the civil administration, the Lieutenant Governor, the Chief Minister, and security agencies during the crisis, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to the safety and prosperity of border residents.
