
Tue May 20 10:43:24 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:
**Summary:**
PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti is urging the government to declare areas in Jammu and Kashmir affected by cross-border shelling as “war-impacted zones,” provide families whose houses were destroyed with ₹50 lakh, and grant “martyr” status to those who died in the conflict, along with job opportunities for their families. Mufti highlighted the devastation in areas like Poonch, Uri, and Kupwara, criticizing the lack of adequate support for affected residents and banks refusing insurance. She also criticized the idea of building individual bunkers. Mufti also questioned the achievements of “Operation Sindoor” and responded to accusations against Rahul Gandhi.
**News Article:**
**PDP Chief Urges “War-Impacted Zone” Designation for Shelling-Affected Areas in J&K**
**Srinagar, May 20, 2025:** Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti today called on the government to declare areas along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, affected by cross-border shelling from Pakistan, as “war-impacted zones.”
Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar following a visit to the affected regions, Mufti highlighted the severe devastation experienced by residents in areas like Poonch, Uri, Tangdhar, and Kupwara. “I request that all these areas be declared as war-impacted zones, so that the work on their rehabilitation is taken up on a war footing,” she stated.
Mufti demanded significant compensation for families whose homes have been destroyed, advocating for ₹50 lakh per family. She also urged the government to grant “martyr” status to those killed in the shelling, ensuring respect and financial benefits for their families, including job opportunities for the next of kin.
The PDP leader criticized the inadequate support currently provided to affected residents, noting that some families are living without shelter. She also raised concerns about banks refusing insurance to businesses damaged in the shelling and called for loan waivers for those whose homes were destroyed and had housing loans.
She questioned the necessity of building bunkers, saying, it does not feel right to demand such things in the 21st century when people should be demanding better schools and universities.
Mufti also expressed skepticism about the accomplishments of “Operation Sindoor,” stating, “For me, it [the achievement] is zero.” When asked about allegations that Rahul Gandhi was taking a pro-Pakistan line, Mufti countered by claiming that questioning the BJP is seen as anti-national.