Modi Govt should take steps to stop Pak’s unprovoked firing: Rattan Lal Gupta

‘Five Marla plots for shelter in saffer areas to border dwellers still a distant dream’

JAMMU October 27^th: Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President, Jammu, of J&K National Conference on Friday strongly condemned the unprovoked shelling by Pakistani Rangers on the International Border in Arnia Sector of Jammu District, violating the ceasefire agreement signed between India and Pakistan authorities   on February 25, 2021. 

In a statement issued to media persons, the senior NC leader said that second incident of truce pact violation in one week from Pakistani side is a matter of great concern as they are hampering life of the poor Border dwellers on both sides of the border. He said that life of the people was disturbed as they were caught unaware by the pounding of mortar shells last night by the Pakistani Rangers. He also raised the issue of defunct bunkers as people had to migrate and take refuge in temples and other places because the so-called bunkers made by the Modi Government have proven useless during the need of hour. LG Govt. is totally failed to give shelters and necessary arrangements to the poor people of the border who have been migrated from the border due to heavy shelling by the Pakistani Rangers. .

The Provincial President also raised the issue of 5 Marla plots as promised by the Modi Government for border dwellers in saffer areas for shelter during the heavy firing. He said that the money spent on bunkers seems to have gone down the drain as during the time of exigency these structures are proving futile as the same are not habitable due to neglect and therefore the same could be termed as sheer wastage of resources and public exchequer. 

He, however, asserted that war is not the solution. He appealed to the Govts of both the countries to shun the violation of ceasefire so that the poor people of both the counties live with peace, prosperity and happiness.

Reportedly, heavy firing took place at border villages in Arnia Sector leading to injuries to one civilian and two BSF men. It is pertinent to mention that NC party has always batted for dialogue between India and Pakistan to normalize the ties between them. Mr Gupta further stressed to both the countries to respect and regard ceasefire agreement executed between the authorities of both the countries dated 25^th February, 2021.