Operation Sindoor: J&K begins damage assessment of homes in border areas

The Jammu and Kashmir government has started assessing the damage to civilian properties caused during the recent four-day exchange of fire between India and Pakistan.

 

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who visited the border town of Uri in Baramulla district, said the assessment of damage to the houses is underway.

 

He said that while there has been no loss of life in Uri, many homes and businesses were damaged due to shelling from across the border. "Compensation will be given after deputy commissioners complete the damage assessment," he said.

 

In Poonch, which witnessed the worst shelling, the district administration has launched a special campaign called “Report to Support”.

 

The initiative allows affected residents to report damage to property or livestock via WhatsApp by sending details and photos to the tehsil-level numbers. This step is aimed at providing quicker relief.

 

According to Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal, WhatsApp reporting is an additional mechanism for damage assessment but does not replace physical verification.

 

Village Level Committees (VLCS), including officials from departments like Revenue, Public Works (PWD), Public Health Engineering (PHE), and Animal Husbandry, will carry out the physical assessment of the damage.

 

The damage is being categorised as full, severe, or partial, and each structure is being labelled as private, commercial or government-owned. People have been advised to share only genuine claims related to their property or livestock.

 

Meanwhile, over 9,500 bunkers have already been built along the Line of Control (LOC) and International Border (IB), with more planned to enhance safety for border villagers.

 

During the four-day hostilities, 25 people lost their lives in Jammu and Kashmir — 13 in Poonch, including minor twins, a brother and sister. Among the dead were six security personnel and Raj Kumar Thappa, the Additional District Development Commissioner of Rajouri. Thousands were displaced, but most have now returned home after a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. The administration’s focus now remains on damage assessment, relief distribution, and long-term safety for affected communities.

India