Congress Leader Pledges to Highlight Plight of Cross-Border Shelling Victims at National Level
Jammu 24 May 2025: In a significant visit to Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met with victims of cross-border shelling by Pakistani troops on May 24. Describing the situation as a “big tragedy,” Gandhi pledged to highlight their plight at the national level, sparking a political debate with the BJP.
Key Highlights from Rahul Gandhi’s Visit
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Interaction with Affected Families: Gandhi interacted with families who lost loved ones during the shelling between May 7 and May 10. He assured them that he would raise the concerns of these families in Parliament and push for government intervention.
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Visit to Christ School: Gandhi visited Christ School in Poonch, where he encouraged students to study hard, play, and make friends. He reassured them that normalcy would return soon, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
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Meeting with Bereaved Families: Gandhi met with the family of Amarjeet Singh, an ex-serviceman killed in the shelling, and Maulana Qari Mohammad Iqbal, a cleric whose death was falsely reported as terrorism-related. These visits demonstrate Gandhi’s commitment to understanding the human impact of the cross-border shelling.
BJP’s Response: Criticism Over Timing
The BJP criticized Gandhi’s visit, stating that “this is not the time for politics” amid India’s ongoing military operations under Operation Sindoor. BJP leaders argued that national security should take precedence over political narratives, accusing Gandhi of using the tragedy for political mileage rather than focusing on solutions for affected families.
Background: Operation Sindoor & Cross-Border Tensions
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India’s Military Operation: India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. This operation aimed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and prevent future attacks.
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Pakistan’s Retaliation: Pakistan retaliated with heavy artillery shelling, killing 28 civilians and injuring over 70 across Jammu and Kashmir. Thousands of residents were displaced, seeking refuge in government-run relief camps.
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Ceasefire Understanding: India and Pakistan reached a bilateral understanding on May 10 to end the military confrontation. However, the situation remains tense, with both sides maintaining a delicate balance along the Line of Control ².
Bottom-Line
Gandhi’s visit has sparked a political debate, with Congress emphasizing humanitarian concerns while BJP calls for prioritizing national security. The victims of Poonch shelling continue to seek government support and relief measures. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for the government to address the humanitarian needs of the affected population while maintaining national security.
