Altaf HUssain
MANKOTE – Former Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Rahim Dad on Tuesday visited the shelling-affected regions of Mankote and its adjoining villages in the border district of Poonch. Accompanied the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Mendhar, Mr. Dad undertook a ground-level assessment of the situation, met with affected families, and took stock of the damage caused recent cross-border shelling.
During his visit, Rahim Dad expressed deep anguish over the deteriorating security situation and the repeated ceasefire violations that have once again placed civilian lives in danger. Interacting with local residents, many of whom have been displaced or are living in makeshift shelters, he listened to their accounts of fear, destruction, and loss with empathy and concern. Homes reduced to rubble, schools disrupted, livestock killed, and the ever-looming threat of violence have left the border population in a state of distress.
Addressing the media during the visit, Mr. Dad called upon the government to immediately step in with substantial relief and rehabilitation measures. He emphasized that mere assurances are not enough, and that swift, tangible action is essential to restore dignity and a sense of security to the affected families. He urged the district administration and higher authorities to ensure timely compensation for the loss of life, injury, damaged property, and lost livelihoods. The former legislator also highlighted the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure such as concrete bunkers, mobile medical aid, and psychological counseling—especially for children who are bearing the brunt of this constant insecurity.
Rahim Dad praised the efforts of the SDM Mendhar and local officials for their presence and quick response but pressed for faster survey and disbursement of compensation. He said that such tragic incidents demand not only short-term relief but a long-term policy to protect and empower border residents. He further appealed to the central government to send a high-level team to review the border situation and offer permanent solutions rather than temporary fixes.
As the visit concluded with a community interaction, villagers expressed both their pain and their expectations. Mr. Dad assured them that he would continue to raise their concerns at every relevant platform and stand them in their struggle for justice, safety, and rehabilitation. He emphasized that the voices of those living under constant threat at the border must not be ignored, and that peace must be reflected not just in government records, but in the lives of every man, woman, and child living in these areas.
