Panel to look into safety issues of J&K residents living along border

The Centre has set up a committee to look into the problems faced by people in Jammu and Kashmir residing near the LoC and International Border and are victims of repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan.

The committee, headed by Special Secretary (Internal Security), has been tasked by the Union Home Ministry to submit its report within two months.

The move comes two days after two minors were killed in Poonch sector of Kashmir in a ceasefire violation by Pakistani troopers.

Informed sources said the step is also the outcome of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Jammu and Kashmir last month when some residents of Rajouri and Nowshera appealed to him to urgently set up bunkers for those living near the border.

The Border Migrants Coordination Committee told the Minister that "residents need bunkers more than food as it works like bullet-proof jacket for the residents and their families".

"A study committee headed by Special Secretary (Internal Security) has been set up by the Home Ministry to look into the problems of victims of ceasefire violation by Pakistan and those living near LoC and IB. The mandate of the committee is to speak to border residents, public representatives and district administration to see what kind of measures can be taken to help those facing the problem on different occasions," a Home Ministry official said.

Currently, the central government provides Rs 5 lakh to victims of cross-border firing under an assistance scheme. The compensation is provided only in case of death or loss of limbs.

--IANS

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