Poonch: In response to the recent escalation along the India-Pakistan border, the Government has appointed senior IAS officers as “Mentors” to monitor ground-level issues and oversee relief efforts in areas affected by heavy shelling. This initiative, formalized through a government order dated May 8, 2025, follows multiple instances of cross-border aggression that led to civilian casualties and widespread damage.
Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar, took the lead as one of the first mentors to visit the affected regions. On Thursday, he toured Poonch district, covering Surankote, Mendar, and the border village of Mankote, where he personally met with families impacted by the shelling.
During the visit, Shailendra Kumar expressed his solidarity with the affected communities, offering condolences to bereaved families and assuring them of the government’s full support. In Mankote, he visited the home of a woman who tragically lost her life in the recent shelling, conveying heartfelt sympathies and pledging all necessary assistance.
He instructed the district administration to adopt a proactive and public-centric approach to relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Vikas Kundal, briefed the Principal Secretary on the status of relief and restoration measures. He reported that
- Power and water supply have been fully restored,
- Hospitals are operational, and
- All essential services are functioning normally.
The DC also highlighted that village-level assessment teams are actively identifying and documenting losses. In addition, a ‘Report to Support’ initiative has been launched, enabling residents to report damage or seek help via designated WhatsApp numbers issued for each tehsil.
Shailendra Kumar lauded the swift and coordinated response of the district administration and emphasized the importance of continuing efficient and compassionate relief efforts.
