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CPI(M) Delegation Visits Shell-Affected Areas in Uri: Assessing Damage, Demanding Accountability from Govt.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist), CPI(M), has undertaken a fact-finding mission to the shelling-affected areas of Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the continued vulnerability of border residents and demanding increased government support and accountability. The visit, undertaken by a high-level delegation including [mention names and positions of key delegates], follows recent cross-border shelling incidents that have resulted in significant damage to property and widespread fear among the local population. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and the urgent need for effective border security measures and rehabilitation programs.

Assessing the Devastation: A Ground Report from Uri

The CPI(M) team spent several days in Uri, interacting with affected families, surveying the damaged infrastructure, and gathering firsthand accounts of the shelling incidents. The delegation visited villages directly impacted by the shelling, witnessing the destruction firsthand. Reports indicate widespread damage to homes, agricultural lands, and essential infrastructure, including schools and healthcare facilities.

Eyewitness Accounts and Human Cost

The CPI(M) delegation documented numerous harrowing eyewitness accounts. Residents described scenes of panic and terror as shells rained down, forcing them to flee their homes and seek shelter. Many recounted the loss of loved ones, livestock, and their livelihoods. The psychological impact of repeated shelling incidents is also a significant concern, with many residents reporting long-term trauma and anxiety.

• Key findings from the CPI(M) report:
  • Extensive damage to residential properties, requiring immediate repair and reconstruction.
  • Significant disruption to agricultural activities, leading to potential food shortages.
  • Damage to crucial infrastructure, hindering access to essential services like healthcare and education.
  • Deep-seated psychological trauma among affected residents.
  • Lack of adequate compensation and rehabilitation support from the government.

Demanding Accountability and Enhanced Security Measures

The CPI(M) delegation has sharply criticized the government's response to the shelling incidents, asserting that insufficient measures have been taken to protect border residents and provide adequate compensation for their losses. The party called for immediate and comprehensive action on several fronts:

Urgent Demands from the CPI(M):

• Increased Border Security: The party demands the deployment of advanced surveillance technology and strengthened border security measures to prevent future shelling incidents. This includes improved early warning systems and enhanced protection for vulnerable villages.
• Adequate Compensation: The CPI(M) is demanding immediate and fair compensation for all those affected by the shelling, covering the cost of property damage, loss of livelihood, and medical expenses.
• Enhanced Rehabilitation Programs: The party advocates for comprehensive rehabilitation programs that address both the physical and psychological needs of the affected population. This includes providing financial assistance, rebuilding homes and infrastructure, and providing mental health support.
• Transparent Investigation: The CPI(M) has called for a transparent investigation into the incidents to determine the extent of the damage and hold those responsible accountable.
• Long-term Strategy for Border Villages: The party is advocating for a long-term strategy to protect and support border residents, addressing their specific vulnerabilities and ensuring their safety and well-being.

The Ongoing Tensions along the LoC

The shelling incidents in Uri are only the latest in a series of cross-border clashes along the LoC. These incidents highlight the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan and the precarious situation faced by civilians living in border areas. The CPI(M)'s visit to Uri underscores the human cost of this conflict and the urgent need for lasting peace and stability in the region. The party has emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

National and International Attention

The CPI(M)'s report and their demands for accountability are attracting national and international attention. The plight of the civilians caught in the crossfire along the LoC is a matter of serious concern, and this incident reinforces the need for concerted efforts from both the government and international bodies to ensure the safety and security of border populations. The issue of cross-border shelling and the need for comprehensive rehabilitation programs is gaining momentum in the national political discourse, with several other political parties voicing their support for the affected communities.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

The CPI(M)'s visit to Uri serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in border areas and the need for immediate and sustained action. The party’s demands for enhanced security measures, adequate compensation, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs represent a critical call to action for the government and the international community. The long-term well-being and security of residents in vulnerable border regions like Uri depend on a concerted and proactive approach addressing both immediate needs and long-term vulnerabilities. The situation demands immediate attention and a comprehensive, sustainable solution to ensure peace and security for all. The silence on this issue can no longer be tolerated.