MIRPUR: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has allocated a Rs1 billion relief fund to compensate victims affected by recent Indian aggression across the Line of Control (LoC), particularly in Haveli and surrounding districts, officials confirmed Thursday.
AJK Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore announced the fund at a cheque distribution ceremony in Haveli, emphasizing that the government stands firmly with those who suffered losses during the cross-border hostilities.
“War is not a choice — it is imposed. And those who face it, bear its true cost. We pay rich tribute to the valiant Pakistan Army and the people of AJK who stood united to defeat India’s war madness,” Rathore said. He lauded the armed forces for their role in Operation Banyan Marsoos, terming it a “convincing defeat of fascist Modi-led India” and a diplomatic milestone in highlighting the Kashmir issue internationally.
As part of the AJK government’s LoC Relief Package, the financial compensation is being disbursed under the AJK Ceasefire Line Incidents Relief (Amendment) Act 2019, said Sardar Waheed Khan, Director General of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). The government ensured the swift release of funds within 24 hours, he added.
The compensation package includes:
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Rs1 million for families of martyrs
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Rs800,000 for permanently disabled individuals
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Rs300,000 for seriously injured persons
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Rs50,000 for minor injuries
Additionally, financial aid is being provided for property and livestock damage, including:
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Rs100,000 for completely destroyed houses or vehicles
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Rs60,000 for partially damaged houses
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Rs50,000–30,000 for shops
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Rs50,000 for small vehicles and shelters
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Rs100,000 for lost livestock such as cows or buffaloes
Rathore commended the exemplary performance of government departments during Indian shelling in Haveli Kahuta and urged national unity during such testing times. He reiterated that Kashmiris have been sacrificing for over seven decades and expressed hope for their eventual right to self-determination.
“The people of AJK and Pakistan are mentally prepared to confront and defeat any misadventure. We must remain united,” he said.
