Srinagar, May 14: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that if guns fall silent from across the border, only then they will be silenced from this side too.
Speaking to the media during his visit to Uri, Omar Abdullah said that the situation had become alarming over the last few days, with targeted shelling affecting homes and endangering lives.
“For the past few days, there has been a rampage in civilian areas. It seems that there was a deliberate attempt to target the civilians,” CM said.
He said although the situation has calmed down since the ceasefire was announced, efforts are going on to reach affected households, assess losses, and begin relief work.
“We are trying to reach every house that has suffered damage. Relief work has started and we will ensure immediate relief and rehabilitation,” said.
Omar said that decisions taken at the national level were beyond his jurisdiction but his government was doing everything possible within Jammu and Kashmir.
He added that people in border areas have once again started demanding bunkers. He said, “For the past few years, there was no need for bunkers, and many old ones were abandoned. But after these recent attacks, people are once again asking for individual bunkers on both Jammu and Kashmir sides.”
He also emphasized the need for individual bunkers in vulnerable areas. “With support from the Union Government, we will work for construction of individual bunkers in all shelling-affected regions,” CM said.
Omar said that relief will be the first priority, followed by discussions with the central government to arrange bunkers in all shelling-hit areas.
When asked about accountability or action against anyone, Omar said, “Ask the people in those homes where someone had to be buried or cremated. What’s the point of firing someone? We didn’t start this fight.”
He further said that the attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, was a turning point. “From day one, I have said, if the guns on the other side fall silent, ours will too,” he said.
Omar appreciated the move by the Director General of Military Operations of Pakistan for initiating a conversation that eventually led to a ceasefire. “Thanks to that call, the border and the LoC are now silent,” Omar added.
Omar Abdullah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensure welfare and well-being of residents living along the Line of Control (LoC). He emphasised that it is the responsibility of the government to rebuild the lives of affected civilians.
Omar said that his government stands with the affected families and will continue to work for their safety and support in the days to come.
At Salamabad, the Chief Minister met with affected families and assured them of sustained relief and long-term rehabilitation measures. “It is the responsibility of my government to ensure you receive the necessary support to rebuild your lives with dignity,” he said during an interaction with residents.
During his visit to Razarwani Uri, the Chief Minister offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Nargis Begum, who tragically lost her life when a shell struck their vehicle as they attempted to flee the area. “No words can truly capture the depth of your grief or the magnitude of this tragedy. I pray you find the strength to endure this irreparable loss. We stand with you in this hour of sorrow,” he said.
Commending the unwavering spirit of the people of Uri, Omar Abdullah said, “This land has borne tremendous hardship — from the devastating 2005 earthquake to recurrent cross-border shelling. Yet, its people have consistently demonstrated courage and resilience.”
During his visit to Gingal village, Omar Abdullah inspected the NHPC’s Uri-I Hydro Electric Project, which was also targeted in the recent shelling. He interacted with NHPC officials and assessed the damage caused to the infrastructure, including residential quarters.
