"Pakistan didn't target one community": Omar Abdullah says shelling hit all faiths

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday urged residents of border districts to return home, stating that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan was currently holding after days of intense shelling. Speaking from Poonch, the worst-affected area, Abdullah described the situation over the past few days as “war-like” and confirmed that nearly 80–90 percent of Poonch town had been vacated during the bombardment. “Now that the shelling has stopped, people should consider returning home,” he said.

The chief minister firmly dismissed Pakistan’s accusations that India targeted religious structures during the conflict. “They (Pakistan) didn’t just target one community. They fired near temples, gurdwaras, dargahs and madrasas,” he said, rejecting Islamabad’s propaganda as baseless. He added, “You and I both know the truth. The world knows the truth.” He emphasized that the shelling was random and reckless, not aimed at any particular religious or ethnic group.

Abdullah was accompanied by his cabinet colleagues, MLAs, and his sons during the visit. He met local civil society members and grieving families, assuring them of the government’s commitment to both immediate relief and long-term safety. “We lost 13 precious lives. My presence here is meant to show solidarity and to understand how we can prevent such loss in the future,” he said. He praised the residents of Poonch for upholding communal harmony even in the face of such adversity.

Reiterating the importance of preparedness, Abdullah said the administration would act swiftly on the civil society’s suggestions, including building more protective bunkers. He directed officials across affected districts—Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora—to begin structural damage assessments for compensation distribution. He also categorically denied media claims that district officials had fled their posts during the crisis, calling the reports “unfortunate and untrue.”