Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday visited Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir to meet families affected by recent cross-border shelling from Pakistan. Expressing solidarity with the victims, Gandhi vowed to raise their concerns at the national level.

Calling the situation a “big tragedy,” Gandhi spoke with locals who had lost loved ones and property due to shelling. “Many have died, homes have been destroyed. People here endure unimaginable hardship during such attacks. They’ve asked me to raise their issues in Parliament, and I will do so,” he said while addressing the media.

Sharing an emotional account of his visit, Gandhi later posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Today, I met the families of those who lost their lives in Pakistan's shelling in Poonch. Broken houses, scattered belongings, moist eyes and painful stories of losing loved ones in every corner — these patriotic families bear the biggest burden of war with courage and dignity every time.”

He added, “Salute to their courage. I stand strongly with the victim families and will definitely raise their demands and issues at the national level.”

Earlier in the day, the Raebareli MP also visited a local school where he interacted with students impacted by the hostilities. Offering words of hope and encouragement, Gandhi told them, “You’ve seen a frightening situation, but don’t worry — things will return to normal. Respond by studying hard, playing hard, and building friendships.”

The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hamid Karra accompanied Gandhi and reiterated that Poonch has suffered the worst during Pakistan’s recent shelling incidents.

Notably, a Trinamool Congress delegation also visited the region earlier this week, expressing solidarity and pledging support for those affected.

As political attention shifts to Poonch, locals hope that their grievances will be heard and action will follow, bringing lasting peace and stability to the border region.