Pak deliberately targeted civilian areas, says CM Omar in Uri

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Wednesday that it appeared that “civilian areas were deliberately targeted” during the cross-border shelling by Pakistan.

He said this during his visit to affected areas in Uri town. He highlighted that for two to three days, there was indiscriminate fire in civilian areas, and it appeared as if they (Pakistan) were deliberately trying to impact as many civilians as possible. “We are thankful that a ceasefire has been reached,” he added.

The CM said the government was trying to reach all houses that were damaged and trying to assess the damage before starting to provide relief.

Criticising Pakistan for starting the fight, Abdullah said, “You can ask houses, where someone had to be buried or cremated. What is the use? I have been saying this since day one, if the guns are silenced from there, the guns here will also be silenced. We did not start this fight. Our innocent people were attacked in Pahalgam, where 26 people died.”

An official spokesperson said the CM reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensure welfare and well-being of residents living along the LoC. He visited several areas in Uri sector, which were affected by the recent shelling. These included Salamabad, Lagama, Bandi, Razarwani and Gingal.

At Salamabad, he met affected families and assured them of sustained relief and long-term rehabilitation measures. “It is the responsibility of my government to ensure you receive the necessary support to rebuild your lives with dignity,” he said during an interaction with residents.

Commending the unwavering spirit of the people of Uri, Abdullah said, “This land has borne tremendous hardship — from the devastating 2005 earthquake to recurrent cross-border shelling. Yet, its people have consistently demonstrated courage and resilience.”