Amid escalating tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah brought a moment of levity and hope to displaced residents by playing cricket at a relief camp in Samba on Friday. This visit comes as a wave of cross-border strikes by Pakistan has forced thousands to evacuate their homes and seek shelter in relief camps.

Videos circulating on social media show Abdullah batting and bowling with a young boy at the camp, drawing cheers and applause from onlookers. The Chief Minister first observed the child batting, and then he batted while the boy bowled. This act of camaraderie aimed to uplift the spirits of those affected by the heightened tensions and unprovoked firing from across the border. The symbolic gesture offered a brief respite from the anxieties and uncertainties that have gripped the region.

Abdullah's visit included tours of various relief camps and hospitals in the Jammu and Samba districts, where he interacted with displaced families. He assessed the arrangements made for the evacuees, ensuring the provision of food, shelter, medical aid, and other essential items. He assured the residents that the government stands firmly with them during these difficult times.

The Chief Minister's visit followed strong condemnation of the recent cross-border strikes initiated by Pakistan, involving drones, missiles, and shelling in the Jammu and Poonch districts. Abdullah asserted that India did not instigate the situation, but was compelled to respond after attacks in Pahalgam resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians. India retaliated by striking terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The situation remains tense, with sirens and blackouts enforced in border towns across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The Indian Army reported that attacks by Pakistan's armed forces on military infrastructure were "effectively repulsed".

During the overnight shelling, one more civilian was killed, bringing the total to 13, and more than 40 people have been injured. The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of civilian lives, especially in the Poonch district, which has suffered the highest number of casualties and injuries. Injured individuals are receiving treatment at Government Medical College Jammu, with those critically wounded referred to Chandigarh for advanced care.

While visiting the relief camps, Abdullah tried to boost the morale of the people and assured them of every possible help from his government. He said that the government is providing three-time food, two-time tea, sanitation, medical facilities, medicines, and ambulances.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary stated that the ongoing hostilities should be India's "last war with Pakistan". He stressed the need for a decisive resolution to ensure a peaceful future for generations to come.