Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and former Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad today lambasted Pakistani Army for deliberately targeting civilian areas this side.Interacting with border residents at various places in Samba and Kathua districts while conducting tour of the areas affected by firing from across the border, Azad termed Pakistani Army as ‘rogue army’ “because Pakistani authorities have no control over their Army which is an example of indiscipline.” “Even at crucial time Indian Army never targeted civilian areas but it very unfortunate that Pakistan Army has never followed universal human right norms”, he said while expressing his grave concern over loss of precious human lives in the recent firing from across the border in Samba district.Mentioning towards tragic incident of Chalayari village of Samba where two female members of the family lost their lives in shelling from cross the border, Azad regretted that civilians were deliberately targeted by the Army of neighbouring country.
Leader of Opposition asked Pakistan to desist from violating ceasefire, adding that tension on the borders is in nobody's interest and it could also be detrimental for peace and stable environment in the sub-continent.Azad observed that sustained peace and normalcy is pre-requisite for progress and prosperity in the region. Referring to the loss of life and injuries suffered by the people and the hardships caused to them due to firing from across the border, Mr. Azad assured the people that the Government would take all the required measures for ensuring that they lead a safe and peaceful life.While interacting with the border dwellers of district Kathua and Samba, who have been shifted to areas including Kali Bari, Chan Khatrian, Government Higher Secondary School Koota, Government Girls Higher Secondary School Hiranagar and Government Boys Higher Secondary School Hiranagar, Mr. Azad said that he would take up the issue with Union Government and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in regard to the allotment of 5 marlas of land in the safer places for the people of the border belt, launching special drive for recruitment of youth of the border areas in Army and Central Para-Military Forces, declaring border areas as RBA as well as providing compensation to the farmers for the crop loss.
He added that adequate measures would be taken on urgent basis for expansion and strengthening of healthcare services in the entire border belt.Among others who were accompanying Mr Azad were ex-MoS Babbu Singh, ex- MLC Subash Gupta, ex-MoS Girdari Lal Chalotra, former President Municipal Corporation Kathua Sohan Lal Sharma, Congress Committee (Urban) President Anil Chopra, District Congress Committee Leaders including Naresh Sharma, Rajneesh Sharma (Mian)and Deputy Commissioners of Samba and Kathua.