Yogesh
Jammu, May 30: Union Home Minister Amit Shah concluded his two-day visit to Jammu on Thursday, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Shah’s visit focussed on extending support to families affected by recent Pakistani shelling, assessing security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, and commending the valour of Border Security Force (BSF) personnel who were at the forefront in Operation Sindoor.
Shah met with families affected by intense cross-border shelling from Pakistan between May 7 and 10, which claimed 13 civilian lives—including four children—and damaged several homes and religious sites.
At the Dak Bungalow in Poonch, he offered condolences, listened to the grievances of affected residents, and handed over job appointment letters to the next of kin of those who lost their lives.
“I came to Poonch to share the grief of the damage inflicted on our people and sacred religious places, including a gurudwara, a temple, and a mosque. The entire nation stands united with you during this difficult hour,” Shah said.
Subhash Chandra, father-in-law of a BSF jawan Rambabu Singh, who lost his life in the line of duty, expressed appreciation, saying, “The Home Minister’s personal assurance and the government job offer bring some solace to our family during this painful time.”
Shah also visited the historic Singh Sabha Gurudwara in Poonch, one of the religious sites damaged during the Pakistani shelling. Offering prayers, he assured the local community of full government support in restoring these sacred places.
“The attack on our gurudwaras, temples, and mosques is an attack on our shared heritage. The government will ensure their restoration and the protection of all places of worship,” Shah said.
Later, at the 144 Battalion Headquarters of the BSF at Khanetar, approximately 9 km from Poonch city, Shah addressed a Sainik Sammelan, where he praised the BSF jawans for their courageous response during Operation Sindoor.
The operation resulted in the destruction of over 118 Pakistani posts, significantly impairing Pakistan’s cross-border surveillance capabilities.
“Destroying 118 enemy posts in just three days is a testament to the BSF’s courage, precision, and professional excellence,” Shah said.
“When Pakistan targeted our civilian areas, it was the jawans of the Jammu frontier who retaliated with unmatched valour.”
He added that BSF remains India’s first line of defense, bearing the brunt of both covert and overt attacks. “Your sacrifices are admired across the nation and stand as a symbol of India’s unwavering resolve in protecting its sovereignty,” he told them
Shah’s visit followed a high-level security meeting held in Jammu on May 29, which was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, DGP Nalin Prabhat, and senior officials from the Army, BSF, CRPF, and intelligence agencies.
The review focused on ongoing counter-terror operations, Operation Sindoor, and preparations for the Amarnath Yatra.
This was Shah’s third to Jammu and Kashmir since April 6 and the first since the launch of Operation Sindoor.
