Omar Abdullah, LG Manoj Sinha visit Sikh victims' families in Poonch after India-Pakistan ceasefire
Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir), May 12, 2025 – In a show of solidarity and support, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday visited the families of civilians killed in recent cross-border shelling, following the latest understanding between India and Pakistan to cease hostilities along the border.
The visits come two days after the ceasefire agreement was reached, providing a glimmer of peace for residents living in the tense border areas of Rajouri and Poonch.
CM Omar Abdullah paid visits to the homes of Amrik Singh and Amarjeet Singh, two Sikh civilians who tragically lost their lives in the shelling. Their deaths have sent ripples of grief through the Sikh community in the region.
Abdullah also visited a government hospital in Poonch, meeting with several injured civilians and assuring them of full administrative support.
Visuals from the hospital showed the Chief Minister interacting compassionately with patients, acknowledging their suffering and commending their resilience.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also extended his condolences, visiting the family of another victim, Zakir Hussain.
He confirmed that ex gratia compensation had already been provided and assured that further support measures were underway.
Call for Justice and Support for Affected Families
Prominent Sikh voices in the region have welcomed the official outreach but are calling for long-term rehabilitation, including government jobs and housing assistance for affected families.
Earlier in the day, JKNC MP Mian Altaf Ahmed echoed these sentiments during a press briefing in Rajouri. He demanded that families who lost their loved ones—particularly from vulnerable border communities—be given jobs and financial aid, citing significant damage to homes and livelihoods caused by the shelling.
“The family members of those who lost their lives should be given jobs. The administration must act quickly. Now the situation is improving, but the people need lasting support,” he said.
The recent hostilities have once again brought attention to the plight of Sikh and other minority communities living near the Line of Control, who often find themselves caught in the crossfire during escalations.
As peace slowly returns to the region, affected families look to the government not just for compensation, but for tangible steps toward a secure and stable future.
Meanwhile, following the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, the Directors General Military Operations (DGMO) of both countries will hold talks at 12 noon on Monday. (ANI)