Shelling-hit villagers seek plots at safer places

Amit Khajuria

Tribune News Service

Arnia (IB), May 24

Criticising all previous governments for not fulfilling the promises made to them, border residents want plots at safer places and suitable compensation.

Border residents, who have migrated from their native villages to shelter camps, alleged that the state as well as the Centre had overlooked their problems.

“The government does not care for our lives. They can never feel our plight. Ask those who have lost their near and dear ones in cross-border firing. They are the real victims of this shelling and we never know who will be able to see tomorrow’s morning,” said Ratan Lal of Arnia, who is staying at a shelter camp at Salehar village.

“Whenever shelling starts, they shift us to camps and when it stops we will be sent back. Our lives have become a hell,” he added.

The villagers have been demanding 5 marla plots at safer places and compensation, which was being promised to them time to time.

Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the PMO, on January 7, 2015, had announced 5 marla plot each for shelling-affected border residents at safer places in Hiranagar. He had also assured people that 3,100 kanals had been identified for the purpose and 5,000 families of Jammu, Samba and Kathua would be relocated at identified places.

“Ministers visit us at the time of shelling just to get political mileage and publicity. No one actually bothers about our sufferings,” said Ajay Kumar, a shopkeeper of Arnia village.