(Image source from: x.com/INCIndia)
On Saturday, Congress Member of Parliament Rahul Gandhi traveled to Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir, where he met families affected by the recent cross-border shelling from Pakistani forces during escalating conflicts between the nations. Following a targeted operation that India executed on May 7, targeting nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the Poonch sector experienced intense artillery and mortar bombardment. This operation was a direct response to a deadly attack that occurred on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This marked Mr. Gandhi's second visit to the Union territory in the wake of the tragic Pahalgam incident. As the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, he engaged with the victims' families and expressed his commitment to advocating for their concerns on a national platform.
आज पुंछ में पाकिस्तान की गोलाबारी में जान गंवाने वाले लोगों के परिवारों से मिला।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 24, 2025
टूटे मकान, बिखरा सामान, नम आंखें और हर कोने में अपनों को खोने की दर्द भरी दास्तान - ये देशभक्त परिवार हर बार जंग का सबसे बड़ा बोझ साहस और गरिमा के साथ उठाते हैं। उनके हौसले को सलाम है।
पीड़ित… pic.twitter.com/CIDEXmqXxG
In a Hindi post, he reflected on the scene, noting the devastation: "With shattered homes, scattered possessions, tear-filled eyes, and heartbreaking tales of loss, these courageous families shoulder the heaviest toll of conflict with remarkable strength. I honor their bravery. I firmly stand with these affected families and assure them that I will advocate for their issues at the national level." In addition, he took the time to meet with schoolchildren in Poonch, encouraging them that peace would soon be restored. "While you have experienced some danger and fear, do not be anxious; things will return to normal. The best way to respond to such challenges is to focus on your studies, participate in activities, and cultivate friendships at school," he reassured them.
आज, पुंछ में पाकिस्तानी हमलों से प्रभावित मंदिर, गुरुद्वारा और मदरसे में गया।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 24, 2025
यहां हर धर्म के लोग साथ रहते हैं, साथ दुख सहते हैं।
यही पुंछ है - यही हिंदुस्तान है, जहां सौहार्द है, एकता है, देशप्रेम है।
हमें बांटने और तोड़ने की कोशिश करने वाले कभी सफल नहीं होंगे - हम हमेशा… pic.twitter.com/MP1R9Ic1o9
LoP Shri @RahulGandhi stood with the young hearts of Christ School, shaken by Pakistani shelling. He consoled the grieving students, applauding their courage and strength in the face of danger.
— Congress (@INCIndia) May 24, 2025
With a message of hope and resilience, he inspired them to look forward, rebuild and… pic.twitter.com/o2qiJ6yZnJ
Later, speaking to the media about his visit, he noted the extensive damage suffered in the region. "I spoke to the residents and made an effort to grasp their difficulties. They have asked me to highlight their plight at the national level, and I will certainly do so," Mr. Gandhi mentioned. The tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following the Pahalgam attack that resulted in the loss of 26 lives. In response to discovering cross-border links tied to the attack, India initiated "Operation Sindoor" on May 7, striking terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Following this, Pakistan retaliated with a significant missile and drone assault, which was successfully intercepted. In retaliation, Indian forces targeted airfields in Pakistan, leading to a ceasefire that concluded hostilities on May 10.
(Video Source: Indian National Congress)
