Jammu, Oct 27: Apni Party Provincial President Jammu and former minister, S. Manjit Singh along with other leaders of the party on Friday toured the Pakistani shelling hit villages and interacted with the affected families.
Following the tour of the villages along the International Border especially Bulle Chak village and other villages of Arnia, the former minister expressed serious concern over the plight of the border residents who fear threat to their lives, houses and cattle following last night’s unprovoked shelling and heavy machine gun fire by the Pakistani Rangers.
He appreciated the Border Security Forces for their prompt response and rescue operation. However, he apprehended that the attempt to disturb the peace on the International Border was aimed at targeting the civilian population, especially farmers.
“Fortunately, there was no loss of life. But the damage to the houses where I have visited was in bad shape. The administration should immediately release adequate compensation in favour of the firing/shelling hit families,” he said.
Singh said that the authorities should initiate a process to see how many bunkers are in working condition and the need for more such bunkers in the villages so that the border residents can take shelter.
“We were informed by the villagers that the bunkers are inadequate in numbers and more bunkers need to be constructed with toilet facilities and separate rooms for the women,” he said.
The Apni Party leader said that the International Border mostly remained peaceful for the last several years. However, the intention of Pakistan is always to disturb the peace that should be dealt with iron hands by the BSF and Indian Army.
He extended his gratitude to the defence forces and BSF who defend the first line of defence for helping the border families in need of hour.
Manjit said that the Apni Party stands with the border residents all along the International Border and demands that the government should hold a survey and work out where more bunkers should be constructed for the civilian population to avoid any migration of the population to the towns.
The Former Minister was accompanied by District President Rural – B, Advocate Harpreet Singh, Provincial President, Jammu, Youth Wing, Vipul Bali, Bachan Choudhary and others.
