Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent visit to Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, signals a renewed commitment to the region's development and security following a period of heightened tensions. Shah's visit, which took place on Friday, May 30, 2025, served as a crucial opportunity to connect with victims of Pakistani shelling, assess the extent of the damage, and reaffirm the government's dedication to restoring normalcy and fostering growth.
The visit, his first to the Union Territory after Operation Sindoor, involved a series of significant engagements. Shah began by meeting with families affected by the cross-border shelling, offering condolences and support. Poonch district recorded the highest number of civilian fatalities, with 14 out of 28 deaths occurring between May 7 and May 10. In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, Shah distributed appointment letters for government jobs to the next of kin of those killed in the recent conflict. He assured the families that the entire nation stands with them in their hour of grief and that their loss would not go unanswered.
Addressing the affected families at Dak Bungalow, Poonch, Shah emphasized that the development of Jammu and Kashmir, which has been steadily progressing since 2014, will continue unhindered. He announced a special package for the affected families and plans to rebuild damaged infrastructure in the area. He lauded the swift action of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, which helped limit the loss of life during the recent crisis and noted the government had already built over 9,500 bunkers in border areas to protect civilians, announcing plans for more.
Furthermore, Shah's itinerary included visits to religious sites damaged by the shelling, including the Singh Sabha Gurdwara, underscoring the government's commitment to preserving the region's cultural and religious heritage. He also addressed Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at their Unit Headquarters in Khanetar, expressing gratitude for their role in Operation Sindoor and boosting their morale.
Earlier, upon arriving in Jammu on Thursday evening, Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting to assess the overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, set to begin on July 3. The meeting was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, senior officials from the army, paramilitary forces, police, intelligence agencies, and civil administration. Discussions centered on ongoing anti-terror operations and strategies to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for the pilgrimage.
BJP leader Ravinder Raina stated that during Shah's visit, he would inspect the impacted areas and engage with personnel from the BSF, Indian Army, and J&K Police. Security arrangements were heightened in Poonch ahead of the visit.
Shah's visit also comes against the backdrop of concerns about the adequacy of relief measures for those affected by the shelling. Local MLAs have called for increased compensation for damaged houses, citing the rising costs of construction. There have also been demands for the construction of underground bunkers for border residents to minimize the loss of life in future incidents.
Amit Shah's visit to Poonch sends a strong message of reassurance and renewed commitment. By directly engaging with victims, assessing the damage, and reaffirming the government's development agenda, Shah has signaled that despite recent setbacks, the focus remains on building a secure and prosperous future for the region. The initiatives announced, including job provisions, infrastructure rebuilding, and enhanced security measures, are aimed at restoring confidence and paving the way for sustained growth and stability in the area.
