After visiting Poonch, Rajouri, TMC team accuses Centre of neglecting border areas

A five-member Trinamool Congress (TMC) delegation visited the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, where they met with families affected by recent Pakistani shelling. The victims included those who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the escalation.

The delegation comprised MPs Derek O’Brien, Sagarika Ghose, and Mohd Nadimul Haque; West Bengal minister Manas Bhunia; and former parliamentarian Mamata Thakur. They strongly criticised the Central government for allegedly ignoring the area, which suffered extensive damage due to the shelling.

The delegation members said they were returning with “broken hearts” after witnessing the human tragedy caused by Pakistani shelling and expressed solidarity with the people.

Speaking in Rajouri on Friday, Derek O’Brien said, “What we’ve witnessed in the last two hours is deeply moving. It is never easy, in public life, to share moments with grieving families. Mamata Banerjee sent us here, and we are here to tell these families that we stand with them.”

Sagarika Ghose echoed his sentiments, stating, “We’ve seen the pain, suffering, and loss endured by families in Poonch. We want every affected family to know they are not alone. The people of Bengal—and of India—stand with them.”

The delegation interacted with several locals who suffered during the shelling. Ghose shared the story of Imtiaz Ahmed, who lost his hand and was the sole breadwinner for his family. “He now cannot work or support his three children,” she said. “We also met 12-year-old Ruksana, who sustained severe injuries to her leg and can no longer run or attend school.”

She further criticised the government, alleging that border communities remain vulnerable and neglected. “Why have these people not received better protection? They are on the frontlines—defenceless against cross-border shelling. Why must they continue to suffer such grave injuries?” she questioned.

The TMC delegation also visited the Government Medical College in Rajouri, where they met the injured and were briefed on the treatment measures being taken.