Interacts with civil society members in Jammu
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the ongoing relief measures, evacuation of civilians being undertaken across border districts in the wake of recent cross-border shelling.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani and Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma, Divisional Commissioners Kashmir and Jammu, deputy commissioners of Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandiporadistricts, Principal GMC Jammu and other concerned. The Chief Minister spoke with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, who briefed him on evacuation efforts and transport arrangements in Kashmir Division. He informed that essential commodities such as food, healthcare service and also recreation activities for children have been arranged in the shelter camps. Nodal Officers have also been deployed for seamless coordination of facilities in these camps.
Deputy Commissioners of various border districts apprised the Chief Minister about the ground situation, including evacuation planning, medical preparedness, public outreach and availability of essential supplies. It was informed that identification of vulnerable villages, number of displaced persons had been assessed and provision of shelter, food, medicines and awareness material is being provided
including use of video and audio messaging to inform and alert the public. It was conveyed that Control rooms have been made functional in the affected districts and Standard Operating Procedures are being followed.The details of security arrangements made and deployment for public safety were given in the meeting.
The Chief Minister had a discussion with the Principal Government Medical College Jammu regarding the availability of medical personnel, infrastructure and ambulance services in case of emergencies.
Emphasising the importance of swift and reliable communication with the public, the Chief Minister directed that effective communication be maintained at the grassroots level to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of vital information.
He also emphasised that solar lights in border villages be turned off during blackouts as part of standard security protocols.
He further inquired about the availability and utilisation of contingency funds at the district level and instructed that items required urgently must be procured promptly without delay and for the benefit of the affected population. The Chief Minister also held interaction with civil society members to discuss steps taken for public safety, state of preparedness and the importance of maintaining communal harmony during these critical times.
During the interaction, the Chief Minister urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, appealing to citizens not to panic and to rely solely on verified and official sources of information.
Stressing the importance of effective communication, he outlined a set of measures aimed at enhancing public awareness and strengthening the emergency response mechanism across the region.
The Chief Minister informed the participants that safety guidelines and verified updates would be disseminated through the Department of Information using local television, radio channels and an official WhatsApp channel.
He also emphasized the role of the Traffic Department in raising awareness about emergency alert sirens and signals. The deployment of police personnel in sensitive areas was discussed as a means to manage panic and assist with crowd control, while designated relief camps, functional bunkers, and healthcare facilities are being kept in a state of readiness.
The meeting was informed that in order to ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, the government is maintaining supply chain and regulating prices. Fire services, ambulances, and Civil Defence units have been placed on high alert to ensure a swift and coordinated emergency response.
The Chief Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to maintaining communal harmony and urged community leaders to play a proactive role in fostering peace and unity.
Special attention is also being given to the safety and care of livestock in affected areas. The Health Department has been directed to keep hospitals and primary health centres fully prepared for emergencies and that a dedicated helpline was now active for patients in need of life-saving drugs or dialysis. Blood donation camps are being organized in collaboration with NGOs to meet medical requirements on the ground.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah concluded the session by expressing gratitude to the civil society members for their participation and support. He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and well-being of every citizen during this time of crisis.
The interaction saw participation from a broad spectrum of civil society members, including ex-servicemen, former police chiefs of the J&K Police, heads and presidents of industry & commerce, trade and travel associations, former ministers and representatives of various political parties. Educationists, academicians, stakeholders from the tourism sector, heads of religious organizations representing Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian communities, representatives of Gujjar and Bakarwal groups, lawyers’ bodies, fruit and mandi associations, transporters and NGOs were also present.
The participants appreciated the Chief Minister for convening such an interaction at a time of heightened tensions. They pledged their full support under his leadership and affirmed their commitment to standing united with the government during the ongoing crisis.
Minister Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Deputy Commsioner Jammu, Senior Superintendent of Police Jammu, Director Social Welfare Department Jammu, Director Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Jammu, Regional Transport Officer Jammu, senior police officers and other concerned officers were also present during the interaction.
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