Dr Farooq concerned over border skirmishes in Rajouri

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference party president and Member of Parliament from Srinagar Dr Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate death of a 12 day old baby who was injured in a heavy mortar shelling and firing in Shahpur sector of Poonch district.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Party president while expressing grief over the incident said, “Our party has always maintained that it is common population living across the LOC that has to bear the brunt of escalation of tension between India and Pakistan. Unfortunately the leaders across the border have always shut their eyes to the sufferings of people who come in the line of fire between the two countries.
I extend my condolences to the affected family. I pray for much needed strength to them to bear the inconsolable loss. It is indeed heart wrenching to see such tragedies.” While impressing upon both India and Pakistan to maintain maximum restraint, party president said, “Every time skirmishes escalate on border or LOC, it is common populace that has to bear the brunt. I urge both the countries abide by the ceasefire agreement religiously.
The intermittent border skirmishes, whenever they take place render the activities of people living across LOC dysfunctional. It is high time for both the countries to respect the dignity of lives of people living across the border. The need of the hour calls for total cessation of hostilities, ‘adding, “I urge the incumbent governor administration to provide succor to the affected families.”
Meanwhile provincial president YNC Jammu, Aijaz Jan visited the injured at hospital to inquire about their health. While expressing concern over the incident he said, “A twelve day old infant has fallen prey to the shelling; one can well imagine the plethora of problems which the residents living along Borders areas are going through.”
He has also demanded 5 lakh rupees compensation for those who have sustained injuries and ten lakh rupees for the kin of deceased. He has also called for an end to the shelling across LOC.