Rahul Gandhi Meets Victims of Pak Firing in Jammu and Kashmir

Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi met families of the victims in Balakote area of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district along the Line of Control, where six people were killed and dozens injured due to unprovoked firing and shelling by Pakistan on August 15.

"I came here to talk with them and listen to their grievances... There are many people here who are standing for India, so India should also stand for them," said Mr Gandhi. 

Mr Gandhi interacted with the family of 52-year-old village head, Karamat Hussain, who was killed in the firing. The families have been demanding that underground bunkers, insurance for their crops and animals, and the same amount of higher compensation for those killed or injured by firing from Pakistan, that is given to those killed by terrorists.

Endorsing all their demands, Mr Gandhi said, "They are also martyred and I think it's a very valid demand... The government should look into this... the policy should be formed well and they should be helped."

The visit is being seen by the Congress as an attempt to reach out to the border area population, but the opposition has accused Mr Gandhi of trying to politicise an issue of national security.

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The failure of National Security Advisor level talks between India and Pakistan have also disappointed the affected population at the border, as they want substantial change and peace to return. There have been 51 ceasefire violations by Pakistan this month and over 245 violations this year so far.

The 45-year-old Congress leader spent nearly hour an hour with the families, and was accompanied by state Congress chief, Gulam Ahmed Mir and senior leader, Ambika Soni.

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Mr Gandhi will visit Kashmir and Ladakh regions also during his three-day-visit to the state. He is scheduled to address a Panchayat Conference in Jammu later today.