iIn a vsit that brought a sense of assurance and solidarity to the residents of Karnah, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today toured the shelling-affected areas near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kupwara district. The visit comes in the aftermath of recent cross-border shelling that caused considerable damage to civilian property, sparking anxiety and disruption in the border region.
Accompanied by his adviser Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Trehgam Mir Saifullah, MLA Lolab Qaiser Jamsheed Lone, MLA Karnah Javid Mirchal, and Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Ayushi Sudan, the Chief Minister interacted with affected families and listened to their grievances first-hand.
During the visit, the CM assured locals of immediate relief measures and swift rehabilitation of damaged homes and public infrastructure. “The government stands firmly with the people of Karnah in this time of need. Relief will be expedited, and rehabilitation work will begin without delay,” he stated while speaking to the press.
Deputy Commissioner Ayushi Sudan confirmed that a comprehensive damage assessment has already been initiated. “We are currently evaluating the extent of property loss, and a full report will be submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office shortly. Fortunately, no loss of life has been reported,” she added. The administration has also started setting up safety bunkers in vulnerable border villages to enhance civilian protection.
Underscoring the government’s parallel focus on long-term development, CM Abdullah also reviewed key infrastructure projects during his visit. These included the 12 MW Hydroelectric Power Project aimed at improving electricity availability in the Karnah region. The project is expected to be a significant milestone in bolstering the region’s power supply.
In addition, the Chief Minister inspected the ongoing expansion of Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Tangdar. Once completed, the hospital will see its capacity upgraded from 30 to 50 beds and the addition of a Dialysis Unit with three modern machines. While the inauguration of the unit has been postponed, the CM reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services in the remote border area.
MLA Javid Mirchal, representing Karnah, along with other local leaders, presented the issues faced by residents, including the need for improved connectivity, better communication infrastructure, and enhanced medical facilities. They emphasized the psychological toll of frequent shelling and urged the government to implement lasting protective and developmental measures.
The Chief Minister’s visit and the promises made have been widely welcomed by the people of Karnah, who hope this attention will translate into tangible improvements on the ground.
As tensions across the LoC continue to simmer, Omar Abdullah’s visit is being seen as a strong message of solidarity, resilience, and the state government’s unwavering focus on the welfare and safety of its border communities.
