TMC Delegation Visits Shelling-Hit Districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu & Kashmir

Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir | May 23, 2025: A five-member delegation from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday concluded a three-day visit to the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, where they assessed the aftermath of recent Pakistani shelling and met injured civilians. The delegation’s visit aimed to highlight the plight of border residents and demand swift relief and rehabilitation measures.

The delegation — comprising MPs Derek O'Brien, Sagarika Ghose, Mohd Nadimul Haque, West Bengal Minister Manas Bhunia, and former MP Mamata Thakur — had arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday, where they met first with J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Later, they visited the district of Poonch, where they inspected damaged homes and met with bereaved families.

The districts of Poonch and Rajouri were among the hardest hit during a wave of Pakistani artillery and drone strikes carried out between May 8 and 10. These strikes were in retaliation for India's precision attacks on nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor. The Pakistani retaliation resulted in the deaths of 27 people and left more than 70 injured in the Jammu region.

Speaking to reporters in Poonch, MP Derek O'Brien said, “We are deeply moved. We can imagine how you (locals) are feeling, because this has happened in Poonch, where you live.”

Following their visit to Poonch, the delegation proceeded to Rajouri to assess the situation on the ground.

Speaking to the press in Rajouri, Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose stated, We have come to Jammu & Kashmir on a journey of solidarity, empathy, and sympathy. We want to convey that the people of J&K are not alone — the people of Bengal and India stand firmly with them.”

The delegation also visited the Government Medical College in Rajouri, where they met the injured and were briefed about the measures taken to treat them.  

Ghose shared the plight of victims like Imtiaz Ahmed, who lost his hand and is now unable to support his family of five, and 12-year-old Ruksana, whose leg injuries will prevent her from returning to school.

Criticising the government, Ghose questioned the lack of adequate protection for border communities.

"Why have they not received better protection? These innocent people are on the frontlines, defenceless against cross-border shelling. Why must they suffer such grave injuries?" she asked.

By Catholic Connect Reporter