Jammu: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, arrived in Jammu on Saturday and proceeded to Poonch to meet with families impacted by recent Pakistani shelling along the Line of Control (LoC).
Gandhi’s visit is intended to extend solidarity and support to the bereaved families affected by the escalation in cross-border hostilities. This marks his second visit to Jammu and Kashmir in recent weeks—he previously travelled to Srinagar on April 25 to meet victims injured in the Pahalgam terror attack.
Welcoming Gandhi in Jammu, J&K Minister Javed Ahmed Rana stated, “He’s flying to Poonch to express solidarity with families affected by the recent LoC shelling. We appreciate his commitment to standing with our people during difficult times.”
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also confirmed Gandhi’s visit while addressing the media on Friday. “Yes, Rahul Gandhi will visit Poonch. He will meet the affected people and offer his sympathies. I’m also thankful to the TMC for taking the initiative—five of their members travelled here by road to hear from the local communities,” he said.
Abdullah emphasized the importance of public representatives engaging with citizens, particularly during times of crisis. “It matters that national leaders are showing up and listening. It gives people a sense of being heard and supported,” he added.
Background: Escalation in Hostilities
The visit comes in the wake of rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack. In the aftermath, Poonch and Rajouri districts in Jammu and Kashmir suffered intense unprovoked shelling by Pakistani forces, leading to widespread destruction and displacement.
Pakistan’s aggression reportedly included targeted attacks on Indian military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur using drones and missiles. Along the LoC, heavy shelling caused severe damage, destroying multiple homes and injuring at least 27 civilians.
Although both countries reached a bilateral understanding on May 10 through talks between their Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs), sporadic gunfire and violations of the ceasefire agreement continued to be reported from the Pakistani side. The situation was eventually brought under control following renewed military-level communication.
Rahul Gandhi’s visit underscores the political and humanitarian concern for the residents of border districts facing the brunt of cross-border hostilities and aims to bring national attention to their plight.
