Srinagar, May 12: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Handwara, and People’s Conference (PC) chairman, Sajad Lone on Monday visited the border areas of Tangdhar to take stock of the extensive damage caused by recent cross-border shelling.
During his visit to Tribhoni village, a Sikh-majority hamlet, Lone met with affected families and expressed solidarity with the local population. “We have seen the devastation of houses here. It seems that nearly 80% of the population has moved towards Sadhana Gali. Only border residents know what war really means,” he told reporters.
The shelling has forced families to flee, leaving behind shattered homes and a deep sense of fear that now grips the area. “There has been a lot of damage, but more than that, there is a lot of fear. Everyone we meet speaks of fear,” he said, highlighting the psychological impact on residents who continue to live under the constant threat of violence.
The PC chief strongly criticised the traditional method of assessing damages, which he described as rigid and disconnected from the ground realities. “If we go to the traditional system, where this is partial damage, this is full damage, which is called one-size-fits-all, then these people will have to pay from home. This should be evaluated and assessed. The government, the people, all of us together, should give every single penny,” he asserted.
The MLA Handwara called it a matter of national responsibility to ensure that not a single affected family has to bear the cost of rebuilding on their own. “Whoever has been harmed has not been harmed because of personal enmity. He has been harmed for the country. If he has to give even a single penny from his pocket, then it is a matter of shame for all of us,” he added.
When asked about the broader political situation and the status of India-Pakistan dialogue, Lone said, “It is a lot bigger than me. They are talking about two countries. There is a lot of noise there. Our voice will not reach there from here. That is why our salvation is outside of those talks; it lies in securing peace and justice for people living on the border.”
During his interaction with locals, Lone acknowledged the contributions of the Sikh community in the area, saying that villages like Tribhoni have suffered silently for years.
