Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr. Mandip Bhandari, along with Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, visited various areas affected by shelling along the LOC in Nowshera sector.The Div Com sanctioned immediate relief amount of Rs 1.10 Lakh as assistance to next-of-kin of Akhter Bi who died in cross-loC firing in village Pukherni on Wednesday night. On the occasion, he reviewed the relief measures and also inspected the relief camp established by district administration under supervision of SDM Nowshera. He convened a meeting of district officers and sub-divisional officers to take stock of rescue, evacuation and relief measures as well as preparedness for immediate action in wake of any further skirmishes along the LOC which may necessitate evacuation of civilians from border villages.He also convened a meeting of representatives and affected families from various villages including Pukherni, Qila Darhal, Sarya, Khamba and Jhangar. Issues related to compensation, loss assessment, cultivation of crops, coordination with Army, construction of bunkers, provision of power supply and availability of ambulances were discussed during the meeting.The Divisional Commissioner appreciated the efforts put in by district administration for timely rescue and evacuation as well as establishment of relief camps. He asked the district administration for formulating relief cases for compensation after thorough assessment of loss of life, injuries, loss of livestock, houses and other structures. He asked for availability of all basic amenities at relief camps.In response to public demands he asked the administration for a roadmap for construction of bunkers, community sanitary complexes, power infrastructure for uncovered villages and other issues.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary along with SSP Rajouri Yougal Manhas, SP Nowshera Atul, SDM Harbns, SDM Dr Suresh,ACD, ACR , ExEn PWD EM&RE, PHE and other officers of various Departments visited shelling affected villages of Pukherni, Jhangar, Lam and Qila Darhal to take stock of damages, coordinate loss assessment for compensation, planning of evacuation and required measures.The DC held public meeting at Pukherni and sensitized the public for various measures in view of ceasefire violation underlining safety of human lives and property. The general public was also informed about camps being established and measures for compensation.Two relief camps have been established in Nowshera where 50 persons comprising around 15 families have been settled. District administration has also earmarked additional camps and deputed teams of officers for establishment of camps which may be required in case of further ceasefire violation. As many as 27 families have been affected which include partially and severely damaged houses, besides a school has been damaged due to shelling. More than 40 farm animals are reported killed in firing for which damage assessment report is being concluded. Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner issued orders for closure of all schools situated in 0-2 KM range from LOC and buildings where camps have been established. Schools will remain closed on 12 May 2017.