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Srinagar : Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone today visited several border areas including Nowpora-Uri, Dacchi, Lagama and Rajarwani to assess the situation following recent escalation of tensions and shelling along the border.
Accompanied by party colleagues Abdul Gani Vakil, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Chalkoo, Faisal Khan, Asif Lone, and Tassaduq Yaseen, Lone witnessed firsthand the devastation faced by residents whose homes have been destroyed in the war.
“The people living in border areas suffer the most because of war. We witnessed their devastation with our own eyes,” Lone told reporters during the visit. “We came here to highlight their issues and now we will try to ensure that the government takes action for them.”
He also criticized the current approach to providing relief to affected residents, calling the traditional system “inadequate.” He emphasized the need for a more transparent and comprehensive assessment process.
“If someone’s house has been destroyed due to national circumstances rather than personal enmity, it would be shameful for victims to spend even a single rupee from their own pockets,” Lone stated. “Providing aid based on a one-size-fits-all formula—like giving two lakh rupees for partial damage and three lakh rupees for complete damage—is not appropriate. The losses could amount to crores.”
Lone advocated for a joint assessment mechanism involving construction, revenue and other relevant departments to accurately determine the extent of damages suffered by each household.
JKPC President also proposed a bunker construction initiative modeled after the PM Awas Yojana (PMAY), suggesting that every house in border areas should have protective bunkers.
“When so much is spent on defense and other areas, providing protection to people on the border is essential. These people are on the front line, and they cannot be left unprotected,” he emphasized.
While acknowledging the limitations of what his party can provide directly, Lone assured border residents of continued support: “As a party, we will do whatever we can. Our workers, who work throughout the year, have supported the people to the best of their ability. Our friends and associates will also stand with us in this effort.”
He added, “I assure the people living on the border that we stand shoulder to shoulder with them. Until they receive relief, we will make every possible effort, and will go to any extent.”
When asked about the tensions between India and Pakistan, Lone offered a measured response, stating that while his party is not in a position to dictate terms to either nation but they believe war is not the solution.
“In recent history, we have not seen a war that led to any positive outcome. War only brings destruction and devastation,” he concluded.
