A Jammu and Kashmir minister on Saturday visited the villages of Samba district hit by cross-border firing on the international border and also distributed relief among those who suffered due to shelling by Pakistan troops.During his visit, Industries and Commerce Minister Chander Prakash Ganga assessed damages due to mortar shelling in Mawa and Bainglarh villages.He handed over relief of Rs.25,000 from the Red Cross Society funds to Kalu Ram, whose cattle were killed and wounded during Pakistan shelling.Later, he visited Bainglarh village and gave Rs.5,000 from the Society funds to Kishore Sharma whose cattle too was killed in the shelling.
Interacting with the affected families, Ganga assured of all help from the government and directed civil and police officials to be vigilant in the areas and immediately respond during border shelling.He directed officers concerned to remain present in their respective jurisdictions to deal with any emergency and act promptly.The minister asked people to remain vigilant and advised villagers to stay indoors and at safer places during cross-border shelling.Samba Senior Superintendent of Police Joginder Singh told the minister that bullet- proof vehicles have been deployed for emergency.The villagers told the minister about local issues, including construction of permanent bunkers, and increase in compensation to persons killed in cross-border firing and shelling.Ganga said the central government had made five-fold increase in ex gratia relief to Rs.5 lakh in case someone was killed in cross-border firing.