Union MoS Home meets locals in Bandipora, visits LoC

Bandipora, July 14: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, visited the upper reaches of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Sunday, following his tour of forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) where he met with paramilitary Border Security Force (BSF) personnel.

During his visit to Bandipora, Nityanand Rai engaged in a detailed discussion with the local populace residing near the LoC.

The minister emphasised the government’s focus on the overall development of these remote areas through coordinated efforts involving the BSF and local administration.

Addressing the residents, Rai highlighted several initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities in these regions.

He assured the people that the government was committed to addressing their concerns and facilitating sustainable development to uplift their living standards.

“In continued visits to forward areas of Kashmir, MoS Home Nityanand Rai had a meeting with the local populace residing near the LoC and emphasised the overall development of these areas with the coordination of BSF and local administration,” BSF Kashmir said in a post on X.

Earlier on Saturday, the minister visited the forward areas along the LoC, where BSF units are stationed.

During his visit, he observed the operational preparedness of the force and received briefings on the current security situation.

Rai interacted with the BSF personnel, commending them for their professional excellence and unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation’s borders.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by the soldiers in these high-altitude areas and praised their resilience and commitment to duty.

“MoS Home, Nityanand Rai, visited the forward areas along LoC where BSF units are deployed and witnessed the operational preparedness of the force. He also interacted with troops and appreciated them for their professional excellence and unwavering dedication,” BSF Kashmir said in another post on X.

The minister’s engagement with both the local communities and the BSF is seen as a step towards fostering better understanding and cooperation between the security forces and the residents.

This approach is expected to contribute significantly to the stability and prosperity of the region.

The government has launched several development projects aimed at improving the infrastructure in border areas.

These include road construction, electrification, and the establishment of healthcare facilities and educational institutions.

Additionally, efforts are being made to boost local economies through skill development programmes and support for traditional crafts and trades.

TEMPLE REOPENED

A temple of Goddess Uma Bhagwati was reopened after more than 30 years in Anantnag district in presence of Union Minister Rai on Sunday, officials said.

Following restoration work, the temple was opened to the devotees during an inauguration ceremony, they said.

The idol of goddess Uma, which was brought from Rajasthan, was placed in the sanctum sanctorum amid the chanting of religious hymns.

Locals, both Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims, expressed happiness over the restoration of the temple.