Uri, May 12: Stating that the border population had suffered heavily during the difficult periods, MLA Uri Sajad Shafi on Tuesday urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to enhance compensation for families whose houses were damaged in Pakistan shelling last year.
Addressing the Lieutenant Governor during his visit to Uranbua in Boniyar after a mega padyatra in Baramulla, MLA said at least 500 houses were damaged in Uri in Pakistan shelling, while over 100 structures were completely destroyed.
“Border villages have always suffered and last year’s shelling from across LoC was one of the toughest periods wherein people faced a lot of hardships. The compensation given to those whose houses were damaged was very low. I urge you to look into it and enhance the compensation amount,” the MLA told LG Sinha.
MLA Shafi also sought a special police recruitment drive for Uri, saying the youth of the border area have always served and sacrificed for the country and the region.
“This is a borderline area and special police recruitments were happening here earlier. I, on behalf of the people of Uri, urge for such a special recruitment drive again as the Home Department comes under you,” he said.
He demanded ST2 status for Uri sub division, citing its topography and ethnic characteristics. He referred to similar provisions extended to areas like Rajouri, Poonch and Tangdhar.
Responding to the demand, the Lieutenant Governor said the proposal would be looked into.
Uri MLA also thanked the Lieutenant Governor for standing with the people of Uri during difficult times and prioritising the border area during challenges—(KNO)
