As part of his continued outreach to border residents affected by cross-border shelling, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday visited Tangdhar in district Kupwara to assess the on-ground situation and interact with the affected families.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Trehgam Mir Saifullah, MLA Sogam Qaiser Jamshed Lone, MLA Karnah Javaid Mirchal, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Ayushi Sudan, Senior Superintendent of Police Kupwara Ghulam Jeelani Wani and other senior officials.
During the visit, the Chief Minister toured various villages in the Karnah border sub-division, including Tangdhar, Hajinard, Nachiyan, Shamspora, Baghbela, Batpora, and Tarboni.
He took stock of the damage to residential structures and listened to the grievances of the affected residents.
Assuring support from the administration, he said: “The affected families have shown remarkable courage in the face of adversity. Their resilience is inspiring. The government stands shoulder to shoulder with them. Their pain will not go unnoticed, and every possible step will be taken to help them rebuild their lives with dignity and renewed hope.”
He emphasized that ensuring the safety, support, and swift rehabilitation of affected families remains government’s top priority.
The CM also visited Sub-District Hospital, Tangdhar, to review the availability and quality of healthcare services in the border area. He inspected key departments including Outpatient and Inpatient Units, Gynaecology, Operation Theatre, Ultrasonography, and X-Ray facilities. Interacting with the Chief Medical Officer, doctors, and staff, he directed them to work with utmost dedication and compassion to serve the people in this far-flung area.
He also spoke to patients and attendants to understand their concerns and degree of satisfaction with medical services.
Speaking to the media, CM said he had come personally to assess the damages caused by shelling and reiterated that adequate help would be provided to the victims as part of relief and rehabilitation measures.
While inspecting community bunkers in Tangdhar, he acknowledged their critical role during crises.
“These structures are a lifeline during times of escalation. We will ensure the construction of additional bunkers to safeguard our people living in vulnerable areas,” he said.
He said that the construction of individual bunkers will be taken up with the Union Government to enhance the safety of border residents during periods of heightened tension.
During the visit, the Chief Minister also inspected the Hydel Power Project at Gundi Shart, the progress of which had been affected due to recent hostilities. He assured that the project would be completed within the stipulated timeline.