On May 9, 2025, a day marked by tragedy and resilience, Cabinet Ministers Sakeena Itoo and Javed Ahmad Dar visited the shelling-affected areas of Baramulla district and the frontier town of Uri. This visit came on the directions of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, aiming to assess the dire situation following intense cross-border shelling by Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC).
The ministers began their tour at the Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla, where they inquired about the condition of civilians injured in the recent attacks. Expressing solidarity with the victims and their families, they assured them that the government was committed to their well-being. “The government stands firmly with the affected people in this difficult time and is committed to their well-being,” the ministers stated, directing medical staff to provide prompt and effective treatment.
Following their visit to the medical facility, Itoo and Dar traveled to Uri, where they conducted on-the-ground assessments in several villages that had been heavily impacted by ongoing shelling. They met distressed families, urging district authorities to prioritize civilian safety and expedite relief and rehabilitation efforts. The ministers also took time to meet the grieving family of Nargis, a young woman tragically killed in the shelling, extending heartfelt condolences and promising full support from the government.
At the Sub-District Hospital Uri, the ministers met additional injured civilians and instructed the hospital administration to maintain adequate medical supplies and staff to handle any emergencies that might arise. They emphasized the importance of preparedness in case of further escalation of violence.
In addition to their hospital visits, the ministers went to the Government Degree College (GDC) Uri, where displaced families have been sheltered. They directed local administration to ensure the availability of essential services around the clock, including food, medical support, and sanitation for the victims. The ministers insisted on deploying sufficient doctors and staff for regular medical check-ups.
Accompanying the ministers were MLA Uri Sajjad Shafi, MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar, senior officers from the Baramulla district administration, and other concerned officials, all of whom played a role in the response efforts.
In a powerful demonstration of community solidarity, restaurant and hotel owners in Baramulla also stepped up to support hundreds of families displaced from Uri sector due to the shelling. As artillery fire forced residents from over a dozen border villages to abandon their homes, local businesses transformed into havens of support, offering free meals and accommodation to those fleeing the violence.
Junaid Mohjoo, owner of the popular ‘Rose Avenue’ restaurant, made a heartfelt announcement on social media, which quickly went viral. “Any Uri resident who wants free food, my restaurant ‘Rose Avenue’ is open for you. It is all yours. You give us business the whole year. It is our responsibility this time to pay back,” Mohjoo wrote in his widely shared post.
This humanitarian gesture was matched by Hotel Justin, whose owner released an emotional video message extending similar support. “In this time of grief, if any displaced family of Uri wants free-of-cost accommodation, they are welcome at our hotel. They won’t be charged for their stay,” he declared, emphasizing that compassion must take precedence over profit during a crisis.
These initiatives sparked a wave of positive responses across social media, with many locals pledging similar support. Mushtaq Ahmad, a Baramulla resident, urged others to join the effort: “In these difficult times, we stand with the affected people of Uri. Let us open our doors for them so that they don’t feel isolated in the time of crisis.”
The recent cross-border hostilities have already claimed the life of one woman and left 18 others injured. The shelling, which intensified shortly after India launched Operation Sindoor, has caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure along the border. As the violence continues unabated, scores of men, women, and children from Uri sector have sought refuge with relatives or at designated shelter houses established by authorities in Baramulla town.
Local officials reported that emergency services have been placed on high alert, with medical facilities prepared to handle additional casualties. “We’re seeing the true spirit of Kashmir during this difficult time,” said Farooq Shah, a district administration official. “When government resources are stretched thin, it’s heartening to see ordinary citizens stepping forward to help their neighbors in need.”
For those displaced, these gestures provide more than just material support. “We left everything behind—our homes, livestock, even family photographs,” said Gulshan Begum, who fled from Garkote village with her three children. “To be welcomed so warmly makes us feel that we are not alone in this struggle.”
As tensions along the LoC show no signs of abating, acts of kindness from local businesses and community members serve as powerful reminders of humanity’s capacity for compassion even in the darkest of times. Meanwhile, in Poonch city, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Special Operations Group have been working tirelessly to evacuate residents to safer locations amid rising tensions.
Following India’s Operation Sindoor, Pakistani shelling has targeted civilian areas, leading to urgent evacuation efforts. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are closely monitoring developments while ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected populations.
As the conflict continues, the resilience and solidarity shown by the people of Baramulla and Uri shine through, offering hope amidst the chaos and uncertainty.
