Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Prakash Ganga today visited villages of Samba district, hit by cross border firing and assessed damages due to mortar shelling in Mawa and Bainglarg villages.The Minister was accompanied by MLA Samba, Devinder Kumar Manyal, MLA Hiranagar, Kuldeep Raj, District Development Commissioner, Samba, Sheetal Nanda, SSP Samba, Joginder Singh and other concerned officers.During his visit to the said villages, the Minister handed over relief of Rs 10,000 cash and Rs 15,000 from Red Cross Society to Kalu Ram whose cattle were killed and injured during shelling.Later, he also visited village Bainglarh, and gave away Rs 5,000 cash and Rs 5,000 from Red Cross Society to Kishore Sharma whose cattle was also killed in the shelling.
While interacting with affected families, the Minister assured them all necessary help from the Government and directed civil administration and police to be vigilant in the said areas and immediately respond at times of border shelling. He also directed concerned officers to remain present in their respective jurisdictions to deal with any emergency situation and for prompt action.Ganga asked people to remain vigilant and also advised the villagers to stay indoors and at safer places during cross border shelling.SSP Samba Joginder Singh informed the Minister that Bullet Proof vehicles have been put in place in case of any emergency.The villagers also informed the Minister about various local issues including construction of permanent bunkers, RBA category to people living in border areas, increase in compensation given to persons killed in cross border firing and creation of a separate township for people living in border areas.Speaking to villagers, Ganga said that the Union Home Minister has already announced an increase in compensation from Rs 1 Lakh to five Lakh. He also assured that their other issues shall be taken up with concerned quarters in the State and Central Governments.