STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Working President of the Pradesh Congress Committee and former Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, praised the valiant role of the Indian armed forces, both during times of war and in peace.
He recalled the nation’s unity and collective strength during the 1965 and 1971 wars, the Kargil conflict, and the ongoing proxy war initiated by Pakistan.
Emphasizing the unwavering public support for the armed forces during these critical periods, he stated that the people of India have always stood behind their defenders without hesitation.
In a sharp critique of recent controversial remarks made by certain leaders, especially from Jammu & Kashmir, Tara Chand expressed deep concern over what he termed as “directionless and immature statements” targeting the armed forces.
He warned that the country cannot afford such irresponsible rhetoric, especially in the current sensitive environment. “Such statements are purely for cheap political mileage and must be avoided in the national interest,” he added.
Tara Chand welcomed the decision of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to visit the Jammu region, particularly the Poonch area, which has suffered immensely due to repeated shelling from across the border.
Referring to the damage during Operation Sindoor, he highlighted how Pakistani forces indiscriminately targeted densely populated civilian areas and even religious sites, creating an atmosphere of fear and devastation.
In this context, he demanded a comprehensive relief package for residents of border areas who have borne the brunt of cross-border hostilities. The proposed package includes allotment of ten Marla plots and financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to facilitate the construction of homes in safer locations.
He suggested that this relief package be modeled on the one introduced during the UPA regime under Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, where a special reconstruction programme was rolled out for the residents of Chhamb.
That initiative, which saw the development of Naiwala and Kodewala migrant colonies near Akhnoor, supported over 6,100 families from 21 affected border villages.
Additionally, Tara Chand called for a targeted employment drive for the youth in border areas of the Jammu region. He urged both the Central and State governments to create job opportunities for the unemployed and expedite the process of filling existing vacancies in various departments.
He stressed that such measures would not only support the economic well-being of border communities but also strengthen national integration and morale in these strategically sensitive regions.
Signatories to the statement include Jahangir Mir, Shabir Ahmad Khan, M.K Bhardwaj, Bushan Dogra, Narinder Sharma, Naresh Sharma, Subash Bhagat, Balbir Singh, Vijay Tagotra, Sahil Sharma, Vijay Shastri, Ricky Dalotra, Bodh Raj Bhagat, Nirmal Mehta, Ashok Dubey, Pradeep Bhagat, Vijay Chib, Kulbushan Nagri, Surinder Sharma, Rashpal, Bodh Raj Sharma, Devinder Chib, KK Bhagat, Tarsem Bhagat, Daljeet Singh and others Congress leaders.
