25 crore allocated for compensation to border-area residents affected by shelling in J&K and Punjab

New Delhi, June 9: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has approved an additional Rs 25 crore for compensation to families whose houses were damaged in cross-border shelling in Jammu and Kashmir, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of enhanced financial aid. The relief package will benefit 2,060 affected homes in the region, and similar support will also be extended to impacted areas in Punjab.

The enhanced compensation comes in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, after which several incidents of Pakistani shelling were reported across the border districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Under the special relief measure announced by the Prime Minister, Rs 2 lakh will be provided for each fully damaged house and Rs 1 lakh for each partially damaged one. The Home Ministry swiftly implemented the decision to ensure timely assistance to the victims.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited Poonch on May 29–30, personally handed over compassionate appointment letters to the next of kin of those killed in cross-border firing. Compensation for immediate damages was distributed during his visit.

The border shelling led to widespread damage to residential areas, schools, places of worship, and commercial establishments. In response, the administration launched large-scale evacuations and emergency measures. Over 3.25 lakh people were moved from vulnerable zones, and nearly 15,000 of them were housed in 397 temporary shelters equipped with essential services including food, water, healthcare, and electricity.

To support the emergency response, 394 ambulances were deployed across affected districts, with 62 stationed in Poonch alone. Additionally, 2,818 civil defence volunteers were mobilised to assist with health, fire, emergency services, livestock care, and the distribution of essential supplies.