SRINAGAR, May 12, 2025 — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Dak Bungalow Surankote in Poonch district on Monday to review the situation following recent border shelling by Pakistan, which caused significant damage and civilian casualties. Accompanied by Cabinet Minister Javed Rana and Surankote MLA Choudhary Mohammed Akram, the CM assessed the impact on the region and met with affected communities to address their concerns.
The visit comes in the wake of intensified cross-border tensions, including a deadly attack on May 10, 2025, that killed five people, including Additional Deputy Commissioner Raj Kumar Thapa, a two-year-old girl, and others in Rajouri and Poonch districts. Abdullah’s trip underscores the Omar Abdullah-led government’s commitment to ensuring civilian safety and providing relief measures to those displaced by the shelling.
During his visit, CM Abdullah directed officials to prioritize the safety of civilians, expedite evacuation efforts, and ensure the provision of essential facilities at shelter camps. He emphasised a coordinated response to emerging challenges along the Line of Control , focusing on strengthening border infrastructure and supporting affected families. “We stand firmly with the people in these difficult times,” Abdullah stated, assuring residents of the government’s unwavering support.
The CM’s visit to Surankote follows his earlier engagements, including an emergency meeting on May 7, 2025, to assess security preparedness along the LoC and border areas.
The J&K administration, under Abdullah’s leadership, has been actively addressing the fallout from the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, and subsequent ceasefire violations. Abdullah has consistently condemned such acts, rejecting political opportunism and focusing on solidarity and governance. His administration is also pushing for the restoration of J&K statehood, though he has clarified that this demand will not be leveraged during the current crisis.
Local leaders, including Javed Rana, have been instrumental in coordinating evacuation efforts and engaging with civil society in Surankote. Rana recently visited the area to review relief operations, instructing authorities to provide comprehensive assistance to displaced families.
The visit to Dak Bungalow Surankote highlights the NC’s focus on public welfare and regional stability amid ongoing tensions.
