Amit Shah announces relief, job letters for victims of Pakistani shelling in Poonch
Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday announced a special relief package for victims of Pakistani shelling during a four-day confrontation between India and Pakistan. He also handed over government job appointment letters to the families of those killed in cross-border fire from Pakistan.
Tensions between the two countries escalated after India launched Operation Sindoor on the night of May 7 in response to the Pahalgam attack on 22 April, in which 26 people—mostly tourists—were killed.
Shah arrived in Jammu on Wednesday evening for a two-day visit to Poonch, the region most affected by the shelling. At a solemn event held in Poonch, Shah handed over appointment letters to the next of kin of 14 civilians killed in recent violence, which included both terrorist attacks and cross-border firing.
"This programme is a small effort to stand by the families who have lost their loved ones in these tragic incidents,” he said. “We all know no government job can truly compensate for the loss, but this is a symbolic gesture of our solidarity and commitment."
Addressing a gathering that included Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, local leaders, senior J&K BJP leaders, local MLA Javid Rana and family members of the victims, Shah said that the Indian Armed Forces had carried out Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist infrastructure.
He stressed that the operation was directed only at terror camps, not at Pakistani civilians or military personnel. “In response, Pakistan carried out shelling that hit civilian areas in Jammu and Kashmir, including religious sites,’’ he said. “The Indian Armed Forces retaliated and damaged nine airbases in Pakistan, after which Pakistan requested a ceasefire.”
Referring to the Pahalgam attack, Shah praised the unity shown by the people of Jammu and Kashmir: “The way the people stood together against terrorism sent a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated.”
He also visited a local gurudwara that was hit by the shells and praised the swift response of the administration, led by Manoj Sinha and local officials, in moving residents from affected areas to safer places and providing urgent support.
Reaffirming India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, he said, “The Modi government will not remain silent in the face of provocations. Terror and trade cannot go together, and blood and water cannot flow together. This is our policy, and we will fight every terrorist activity on our soil.”
He highlighted how Indian security forces acted swiftly against both ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts.
“After years, for the first time, our forces responded not only with restraint but also with determination,” he said. “A clear message has been sent—India will not tolerate terrorism in any form.”
The Home Minister shared that over 90,000 bunkers have been built in border villages to protect civilians from shelling. He added that the government plans to create more safety infrastructure in these areas.
Shah praised the local administration’s bravery during the shelling. “Thousands of people were safely evacuated under fire. Our officers, even at the cost of their lives, ensured the safety of civilians.” He made mention of Raj Kumar Thappa, Additional Deputy District Development Commissioner of Rajouri, who was killed by the shelling.
On peace and development, Shah said the journey of progress that began in 2014 would move forward with new strength. “I have come here not just to offer condolences but to give a message of hope. Jammu and Kashmir is on the path of development, and those who try to derail it will be given a fitting reply.”
He concluded with a firm assurance to the affected families, saying, “The Government of India and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir stand by you like a rock. Your grief is ours, and we will continue to support you in every possible way.”
India