Amit Shah's visit a balm for Poonch

Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Poonch and his message of solidarity with those affected in the Pakistani shelling and drone attacks during Operation Sindoor provides a much-needed balm. The district recorded the highest number of civilian fatalities in Jammu and Kashmir between May 7 and 10. The border area residents in the UT have yet again paid the price. The large-scale death and destruction throws up pertinent questions that need to be urgently addressed. Why do civilians living close to the Line of Control remain so vulnerable? Could more have been done to lower the risk and prevent the losses? Was the response to evacuate those in the line of fire quick enough? Going forward, what are the new standard operating procedures being put in place to ensure that the residents are protected if there is a cross-border flare-up again?