Rehabilitating the affected

In the recent military clash between India and Pakistan the border areas suffered a significant damage. Besides the loss of many lives, extensive damage to houses and other infrastructure was witnessed. The shelling in these areas left many people homeless. In fact during the clash many people from these areas had to leave their homes and hearths. That was a very painful experience these people had to undergo. Thankfully the clash didn't last longer. As the military and other strategic objectives were achieved the government of India agreed to the ceasefire proposal, and this paved the way for the return of these people to their homes.

But this return is not as easy as it might sound. Imagine the families who returned to their localities only to witness their homes as a heap of burnt down rubble. Imagine the plight of the people who have no shelter and now they are struggling to find a place where they can take their families. In such a situation, it is incumbent on the government to come to the rescue of these people and provide them the required assistance so that they can rebuild their homes and have a shelter over their heads.

In this regard what the Leader of Opposition in J&K Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, said while addressing a press conference at BJP headquarter in Jammu, is something that generated hope. According to this statement the Centre commits special package for rebuilding houses damaged in Pak shelling in the border areas.

Now it is the need of the times that this package is delivered to the affected families as quickly as possible. Besides, the state government also needs to take required steps to mitigate the suffering of the people living in the border areas. The assurances given till now should be translated into action.

Beyond rebuilding these houses and giving these people a sense of a secured future, government needs to take necessary step so that the security of these people is ensured. Since these areas are always vulnerable and this was not the first time they suffered the loss, the government needs to create safe spaces for border residents to minimise loss of life in case any hostilities break in future.