TMC Delegation Slams Centre Over Neglect of Border Communities
A five-member Trinamool Congress (TMC) delegation visited the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, where they met with families affected by recent Pakistani shelling. The delegation, which included MPs Derek O’Brien, Sagarika Ghose, and Mohd Nadimul Haque, along with West Bengal minister Manas Bhunia and former parliamentarian Mamata Thakur, strongly criticized the Central government for allegedly neglecting the border areas.
Key Highlights from the Visit
1. Meeting with Victims of Cross-Border Shelling
The delegation interacted with victims who lost loved ones or sustained injuries due to cross-border shelling.
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- Sagarika Ghose shared the story of Imtiaz Ahmed, who lost his hand and was the sole breadwinner for his family.
- 12-year-old Ruksana, another victim, suffered severe leg injuries, preventing her from running or attending school.
- TMC leaders accused the Centre of failing to protect border communities, calling them “defenseless against cross-border attacks”.
2. Political Implications & Government Response
The visit comes amid heightened tensions following India’s precision strikes on terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK on May 7, in response to the Pahalgam attack. The delegation’s criticism of the government adds to the ongoing debate about border security and civilian protection.
3. Call for Immediate Action
The TMC delegation urged the government to:
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- Increase security measures to protect border residents.
- Provide financial aid to affected families.
- Ensure better healthcare facilities for victims of shelling.
Bottom-Line
The TMC delegation’s visit underscores the urgent need for government intervention in border areas, highlighting the human cost of ongoing tensions. Their criticism of the Centre has sparked political discussions on national security and civilian welfare.