Poonch TODAY English Newspaper

01/07/2025

“POONCH TODAY” newspaper completes twelve years.
It gives me immense pleasure to announce that your own “POONCH TODAY newspaper, purely with the blessings of Bhagwan Shri Krishna, has completed twelve years of daring journalism in the national interest. The newspaper was launched on 1st of July 2013 by Sh. Sajad Khan, the then DC Poonch, and Sh. Shamsheer Hussain Choudhary, the then SSP Poonch. “POONCH TODAY” is the first ever “English newspaper” in the nearly 100-year history of Poonch journalism before and after independence that has achieved this feat of crossing more than a decade of journalism with an approach of unparalleled high standard, nationalism, boldness, and integrity. Our journalism is known for its pure professionalism, courage, genuineness, credibility, and policy of national interest. Despite the significant revolution in the field of journalism due to the rise of social media, print media continues to maintain its superiority in terms of credibility, authenticity, and strong professionalism. This is because print media continues to serve as a source of guidance for generations to come. The field of journalism has witnessed massive technological advancements, but on the other hand, due to a lack of professionally trained journalists in this elite profession, it has also become a profession known for blackmailing and running fake narratives to settle personal scores by those who don’t know the ABCs of journalism. People with non-journalism qualifications or mostly without any major qualifications are seen spoiling the credibility of this elite field due to lack of journalism knowledge. Moreover, without any check from the security agencies, some forces inimical to peace and known for belonging to a particular ideology against the nation have also joined this profession, and such things need not be overlooked by the security agencies in the interest of national security. The majority of the non-professionals in the journalism field have only one agenda, and that is to fulfill their personal interests from the army, police, and civil administration in the name of being a journalist. Although the media in the sensitive Poonch-Rajouri region has played a big part in highlighting the concerns of the region, unfortunately, many attempts were made in the past to silence the strong media voices by some arrogant bureaucrats, but unfortunately, those big-headed bureaucrats were not taken to task by the government for their failed attempt to murder the fourth estate and nationalist voices in the region. Political leadership in the entire Poonch-Rajouri region has no vision and credibility, but it is only the media that has highlighted the concerns of the people in a robust way. The absence of strong, visionary, and development-oriented officers holding important positions in the Poonch-Rajouri region also proved disastrous for the region during the recent years. Despite facing massive troubles and bureaucratic threats for years, “POONCH TODAY” always remained at the forefront in exposing the wrong and never bowed down before any type of pressure because we don’t believe in fulfilling any type of self-interest from the police, army, and civil administration, like others in the media field do. Ignoring self-interest completely and standing for national interest is not everybody’s cup of tea in journalism, but “POONCH TODAY” has shown that only national interest matters the most. We don’t believe in visiting offices to have a handshake with officers, offer a shawl and “Guldasta,” and then, in return, grind our own axe, like most in journalism do. We don’t believe in sycophancy and staying in the so-called good books of any officer of the army, police, or civil administration by dodging them with wrong facts, because we have no business interest of any kind. Only national service is our motto. We will persist in prioritizing national interest in our policy and will relentlessly pursue the publication of the truth at any cost. Raising developmental issues and exposing wrongdoers and anti-nationals is our trademark. Because of our strong credibility, nationalist approach, and pure professionalism, even threats from different quarters feel threatened by the journalism of “POONCH TODAY.” With more than 16 lakh website/social media visitors/followers, the benchmark of nationalist journalism set by “POONCH TODAY” in the Poonch-Rajouri region is incomparable, and it will continue to remain the same with the blessing of Bhagwan Shri Krishna because we believe in the “nation first” policy and nothing else. Jai Hind.

SALIL RAINA
(Owner & Editor)
M.A. Journalism & Mass Comm. (MAJMC)
M.Sc. Information Technology (M.Sc.(IT))

01/07/2025

J&K Cabinet expansion: Poonch Haveli repeatedly ignored for a cabinet berth by the politically heavyweight Abdullah family
* Omar requires trustworthy soldiers as minister, not tainted ones
SALIL RAINA
(POONCH TODAY NEWS)
POONCH: The Omar Abdullah-led coalition government has completed nearly eight months in office, and during these politically challenging months for the CM, the popular government has faced some tough moments due to the absence of business rules and a host of some other sensitive administrative and political issues. During these nearly eight months, CM Omar Abdullah, who is known for his straightforward approach to many complex issues and his brilliant political sense, tried his best to deliver justice to the people, especially to the unemployed youth of J&K, as, on his directions, the process of filling nearly 7,000 posts by the recruiting agency has been started, and the same is likely to be completed before 31st of December, 2025. During an interview that went viral on social media a few weeks ago, he said that it’s unfair to judge his government's performance for a few months, as he needs more time to deliver justice to the people. The Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 tourists were killed has also given a big dent to the efforts of the J&K government. Omar Abdullah, who is known for his candid approach in dealing with government business and his pro-people approach, needs trustworthy soldiers as his ministers, not tainted ones who are known for open loot in their departments. There are reports that the NC government is planning to induct more ministers during a cabinet expansion, which is being planned by the NC's top brass. Those NC leaders who are staunch soldiers and have huge public acceptability from each and every section of the society and always work on merit rather than standing for a people of a particular ideology need to be adjusted in the cabinet berth, not those tainted NC soldiers who have opened up a transfer industry by directing their nears and dears to collect money from all the illegal sources. It is pertinent to mention here that during the last more than three decades, the Surankote and Mendhar assembly constituencies got opportunities for a cabinet berth, but the high-profile Poonch Haveli constituency, which was won by NC four times after the assembly elections of 1996, did not get a cabinet minister, and it is sheer injustice to the people of the Poonch Haveli constituency. Jan's family entirely dominated the Poonch haveli politics mostly during the last three decades. However, in between, the haveli seat was won by Congress candidate Jahangir Mir in 2007 by-elections by taking 20,697 votes. The by-election was held after the death of former two-time NC MLA Late G.M. Jan. In the 2009 assembly elections, Ajaz Jan, as an NC candidate, took 28,297 votes with 39.62% of the vote share. However, in 2014, Shah Mohd Tantray won the Poonch Haveli seat on a PDP mandate by taking 19,488 votes, while Ajaz Jan got 15,976 votes. During the last assembly elections, which were held in 2024 after a gap of nearly ten years, NC candidate Ajaz Jan took a record number of 41,807 votes in an almost one-sided contest with a record 42.72% of the vote share. Despite a splendid result of Ajaz Jan in the party’s favor for the second time and overall fourth time by the Jan family, Poonch Haveli was denied a cabinet berth by the Abdullah family, and it raises a big question mark on what forced the high-profile political family of Abdullah to ignore the aspirations of the Poonch Haveli people. Ajaz Jan, who was never seen adopting a partial approach while dealing with the public, has proved himself time and again and is considered a loyal soldier of the party. For his political gains, he never blackmailed the party’s high command for any type of favor, but those people who stood with NC for decades from the Poonch Haveli constituency feel dissatisfied with the fact that Poonch Haveli was ignored continuously for a cabinet berth. In the history of Poonch politics, only three leaders enjoyed the MOS/Deputy Minister status, and they were the late M.D. Bandey, the late G.M. Mir Poonchi, and the late G.A. Ganai. Both G.M. Mir Poonchi and M.D. Bandey were elite educated leaders of their time. The late Mohd Din Bandey also remained vice-chairman of the Pahari advisory board after the 1996 assembly elections, but as far as cabinet berth was concerned, Poonch Haveli was ignored time and again, particularly during the last few decades, while the Surankote and Mendhar constituencies enjoyed cabinet berth various times. Late Choudhary Mohd Aslam, Late Mushtaq Bukhari, Late Lal Mohd Sabar, Nisar Ahmed, and Late Rafiq Khan enjoyed the cabinet berth, and this time, Javed Ahmed Rana of NC from Mendhar was included in Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s cabinet. But the question arises, what’s the fault of the people of the Poonch Haveli constituency who have been ignored time and again by the NC top brass, and they cannot escape from this question. Ajaz Jan, who always stood with the party during crises, has gained utmost respect from people of every section of society, but he was sidelined, and it shows that in Omar Abdullah’s rule, talented and loyal party representatives have no say, but those representatives who have mastered the arts of blackmailing, corruption, and threatening others can become ministers. Right now, a sitting NC soldier is playing all games to hit the bull’s-eye. The said soldier, holding an important position in the government, is known for adopting partiality culture by supporting one section of the society while playing calculated tricks against others by violating the constitutional oath and is bringing a bad name to Omar Abdullah’s cabinet. Reportedly, in some high-profile places, including some posh hotels, his near and dear visit there tactfully and secretly with an agenda to script big deals to run the transfer industry and other departmental business tactfully. The concerned leader has been trying his best to control a financial commissioner with an agenda to force the commissioner to do whatever he wants. He has secretly deputed his men and machinery to find the loopholes of the concerned financial commissioner so that he could use him forcefully in implementing his agenda. In the bureaucracy, the concerned NC soldier has already lost his integrity, and because of his miscalculated adventures, he is bringing a bad name to Omar Abdullah’s government, on which the people of J&K have huge expectations. As the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah is known for his sincerity and a broader political vision; he also needs trustworthy soldiers in his cabinet to come up to the expectations of people from every section of society. The majority of ministers have been doing a good job in fulfilling the agenda of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, but a few are busy grinding their own axes by working out of the way by placing their nearest and dearest to collect money from every issue, whether it's related to transfer or any departmental issue. The concerned NC soldier is also interfering in the working of other departments by misusing the name of his chief minister to adjust his blue-eyed person's well. The people of the Poonch Haveli constituency in particular and the entire J&K in general have high expectations from the popular government being headed by the young Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who means business on merit, needs to bring in talented and loyal faces in the cabinet and shun those who are bringing a bad name to his government with their tactful and secret corruption-related misadventures. Will the Poonch Haveli constituency get its long-due cabinet berth? Only time will tell.

01/07/2025

Media Divide and Rule!
Planting agents in media and civil society to secure its interest remained the famous strategy of the district administration Poonch
POONCH TODAY NEWS
POONCH: Despite getting thousands of crores of rupees over the last few years alone, the development scenario in the border district of Poonch remained pathetic. Officers came to Poonch empty-handed and left Poonch with their bags full of different kinds of blessings, because on paper everything was achieved, but nothing was on the ground. Playing clever tactics to hide their frauds, the successive administrations used to adopt a decades-old practice of planting some agents in civil society to secure their self-interest by calling them during important hours to sing songs of praise in front of political and official dignitaries. Likewise, the administration also has its men and machinery in the media who work as agents for the administration by getting various types of indirect favors and running fake narratives in favor of the administration. Although many strong voices in the society and media remained ever ready to raise the concerns of the public, those voices were not given adequate weight by the successive administrations, police, and army. Successive heads of the administration patronized only traditional agents of the administration in civil society and the media. If the Poonch district is still backward despite getting thousands of crores over the years, then the credit for this goes to agents of administration in the civil society setup and in the media who never exposed the tainted officers just for fulfilling their self-interest. Strong voices in the media were never allowed to flourish, but a large chunk of paid men in the media were seen at the beck and call of the officers. The administration always tried its best to divide the media to score its personal interests by selecting some agents in the media to run the agenda of officers in lieu of some money and other favours. The agents of the administration in the media and civil society have played a big role in the backwardness of the district because they are always seen praising the officers of the administration for no reason. Meanwhile, in a recent attempt, the district administration has given a two-room set to the press fraternity with a promise to build a new building for the press fraternity of the district, and it is a welcome step. But behind this, reportedly a clever strategy was adopted by the administration with the help of some agents to control the fourth estate indirectly. The press club is for all, and an appropriate policy is needed to run its smooth functioning, as it should not be controlled by the administration through its agents in the media who have vested interests. But at the same time, giving full press freedom to media doesn’t mean that anti-national forces would be able to carry out their agenda through their agents in media, on the pattern of the case of the YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, who was booked by the intelligence agencies for spying for Pakistan, and the same needs to be discouraged by all. In the past, some social media people have carried out anti-army and some sensitive stories that ultimately favored the narrative of Pakistan, and if any of the social media persons are involved in such acts, then strict action should be taken against those who, by taking shelter in social media, run the narratives in favor of Pakistan. Meanwhile, in the interest of a flourishing fourth estate, the administration need not play such a cheap tactic to have an indirect control over the media through its agents because all are not chips of the same block. During Operation Sindoor, it was the Poonch media that played a big role and highlighted the concerns of the district by risking their lives, but their contribution during odd hours was not recognized by anybody. A YouTuber from Mumbai was recently given full access by the army in Poonch to carry out a story on Operation Sindoor, but at the same time, Poonch media was ignored on most of the occasions. Only some media people close to the army were invited and favoured time and again without any merit, and this showed that the security officials, in addition to the civil administration, also believe in divide-and-rule culture to get benefits from the selected members of the media fraternity by deliberately ignoring merit. Eyebrows were also raised by the social workers of Rajouri against the Army’s 25 Infantry Division Rajouri for ignoring their contributions during Operation Sindoor. However, no one should overlook the contributions of Poonch media. But the way those holding important positions across the spectrum always played cheap tactics and always gave preference to their agents in the media is a direct blow to the institution of journalism. Agents of the administration in the civil society and media cannot be loyal to anyone because, above all, their self-interest is supreme and nothing else. The administration is trying to control the media through its agents, which is a cause of big concern. The government of the day needs to construct a full-fledged press club building for the press fraternity members of the entire district and let a transparent system of checking the credentials of everyone due to internal security reasons be put in place for its smooth working for the positive future of journalism in the district. Agents close to the administration are the biggest threat to the institution of journalism and development, and they need not be encouraged at all.

01/07/2025

Brazen financial frauds scripted in Rajouri Municipality by the executive officer
* District administration nowhere
POONCH TODAY NEWS
RAJOURI: Throwing all rules to the wind, the executive officer of Rajouri Municipality, who also held charge of Thanamandi Municipality, scripted brazen financial frauds during the last few months. Thanamandi Municipality, which remained in the news for unhealthy financial practices and backdoor recruitment scams, brought a bad name to the department of Urban Local Bodies, as tainted E.Os over the years murdered the rules just for their illegal financial gains. Whether adjusting their nears and dears on the posts meant for Safai Karamcharis and giving them out-of-turn promotions on fake letterheads of the Director of ULB Jammu or other financial frauds, the list is endless. Now, joining the bandwagon of corruption, E.O. Rajouri also started hitting the bullseye financially, as during his last few months, huge electrical purchases were made out of the way for the beautification of Thanamandi town, but no material was received in the committee. E.O. drew bills amounting to nearly one crore rupees for the months of January, February, and March 2025. The E.O. also purchased furniture to the tune of Rs 14 lacs when there was no need for the furniture in the office. In the Rajouri bus stand, a number of illegal khokhas have been established, and the concerned official took Rs 5 lac per khokha. In Rajouri municipality, purchases have been made out of the way, and it shows that the E.O. has murdered the government exchequer. In the name of disinfectant tools and legacy waste, fake bills amounting to several lacs were withdrawn. Rajouri and Thanamandi municipalities in the Rajouri district have become a hub of corruption, but it’s shocking that the district administration of Rajouri has adopted a questionable silence on the issue. It's an alarming situation in the district that one of the departments of the Rajouri administration is indulging in open looting of the government funds. If this is the condition of the Rajouri and Thanamandi municipalities, where open loot has become an order of the day for many months, then what would be the condition of PWD, PDD, PMGSY, and a host of other government departments known for getting huge funding? It is important to mention here that during the last few years, some executive officers in the Thanamandi and Rajouri municipalities played open financial shots as their wicked mindset resulted in massive financial blows to the government exchequers. Former DC Rajouri, by forming an inquiry committee into the embezzlement of funds and backdoor recruitment in Thanamandi Municipality, also established the fact that massive fraud had taken place in the Thanamandi Municipality, and a report of that was sent to ULB Directorate Jammu, but no action has yet been taken against the erring officials. Now following the footsteps of Thanamandi Municipality, E.O. Rajouri Municipality also started the same, and it shows that there is no administration in the Rajouri district that could take action against the E.O. Rajouri by conducting an inquiry into the purchases made by him in both the municipalities, thereby giving a massive setback to the government exchequer. A high-level inquiry is needed into the issue to bring to book those who have violated the government rules just for their personal gains with their open involvement and various financial and other frauds in the ULB department in Rajouri.

01/07/2025

01/07/2025

https://www.poonchtoday.com/poonch-today-newspaper-completes-twelve-years/

01/07/2025

https://www.poonchtoday.com/j-omar-requires-trustworthy-soldiers-as-minister-not-tainted-ones/

01/07/2025

https://www.poonchtoday.com/media-divide-and-rule-planting-agents-in-media-and-civil-society-to-secure-its-interest-remained-the-famous-strategy-of-the-district-administration-poonch/

01/07/2025

https://www.poonchtoday.com/brazen-financial-frauds-scripted-in-rajouri-municipality-by-the-executive-officer-district-administration-nowhere/

16/06/2025

Face to Face with Ex-MLC and Senior BJP Leader Pardeep Sharma

“Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji and Home Minister Amit Shah Ji are making huge efforts to make Bharat a global power. Within the eleven-year tenure of PM Modi ji, Bharat has progressed immensely. But enemies of Bharat cannot digest this, and that’s why all-out efforts have been going on for so long to destabilize our nation. PM Modi Ji has given a strong reply through Operation Sindoor to those who scripted the Pahalgam terrorist attack by killing twenty-six tourists by asking their names and religion. LG Manoj Sinha Sahib has done a lot for J&K UT. The J&K BJP Under the leadership of our president, Sat Sharma Ji, General Secretary Ashok Koul Ji, LOP Sunil Sharma Ji, and other big leaders, doing everything to address the concerns of the people of J&K,” said ex-MLC and senior BJP leader Pardeep Sharma while sharing his views with SALIL RAINA, owner and editor of the “POONCH TODAY” newspaper.”
SALIL RAINA: The first question that I would like to ask you is about Operation Sindoor. How do you rate the successful conduct of Operation Sindoor, which was launched by the union government, led from the front by PM Narendra Modi, against the terror camps in Pakistan to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack?
PARDEEP SHARMA: First of all, I thank you, Raina Sahib, for giving me this opportunity to express my views in the “POONCH TODAY” newspaper, which has established itself as a credible, bold, and nationalist voice in the entire Poonch-Rajouri region for over a decade. It’s a privilege for me to be here. Let me start answering your questions. Bharat has become the fourth largest economy in the world, and very soon, we will become the third one. Bharat is on the path of development in every area under the able leadership of our PM Narendra Modi Ji and Home Minister Amit Shah Ji. After independence to 2007, Bharat remained a one trillion economy, and in 2014, we were a two trillion economy. In 2021, we reached 3 trillion, and now, we have touched 4 trillion economies. Within the eleven-year tenure of Modi ji, Bharat has progressed immensely. But enemies of Bharat cannot digest this, and that’s why all-out efforts have been going on for so long to destabilize our nation. The Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which twenty-six tourists were killed by the terrorists by asking their names and religion, was one such effort by our enemy against us. But PM Modi Ji has given a strong reply through Operation Sindoor to those who scripted this attack. Our forces made the country proud. It's a new India under the leadership of Modi Ji, and every Bharatwasi is feeling proud of that. Our mighty forces have demolished the terror infrastructure in Pakistan, but unfortunately, Pakistan targeted our civilians, and it was an inhumane act. Operation Sindoor is just a beginning, and the whole world is surprised by this act of Bharat. We are not going to tolerate terrorism anymore, as our PM has categorically said that any act of terror will be considered an act of war. Bharat will crush terrorism and its supporters in a hard way under the leadership of PM Modi Ji and Amit Shah Ji.
SALIL RAINA: After the highly successful Operation Sindoor, in which our forces successfully targeted the terror camps inside Pakistani territory, Pakistan attacked the city of Poonch, and you appeared suddenly at most of the places and were seen helping the people. How did this happen all of a sudden, and what prompted you to come openly to help the people when there was a huge risk of being targeted from the shelling?
PARDEEP SHARMA: When our forces attacked the terror camps in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan, in utter frustration, started targeting the city of Poonch. I went to my rooftop and saw some shells land in Mohalla Khorinar, and splinters reached near my residence. When the shelling started around 2:30 am in the morning after Bharat attacked the terror camps, I came online and appealed to the people not to panic and take shelter inside their houses. Later, Pakistan started heavy shelling near Kamsar and at different places in the city. My family members were worried, but I told my family that this is the time we should stand for our people without caring for our lives. I started visiting different areas of the city and rescued many injured people. A few dead bodies and some injured were evacuated by me along with some police personnel and my family members. A number of shells landed near the Forest Department and cremation ground, in which many people received huge injuries. Without caring for my life, I rushed there and brought the injured persons and a dead body to Poonch Hospital. Moulana Qari Sahib lost his life in my hands. Moreover, two siblings were also brought to the hospital by me, and they shockingly died there. During the shelling, I went to the Krishna Ghati area and saved the lives of many injured people. From KG, I rang DC Poonch and brought to his notice the state of affairs in the area, and immediately, DC gave directions to his administration to provide whatever the people of Krishna Ghati demanded. I also saw police officers visiting different areas of the city to help the injured persons. I believe it was God who provided me with the courage and guided my efforts to assist people during the crisis. For days, I could not sleep because those terrible moments of seeing people die and receiving huge injuries continued to haunt me. The death of a number of persons, including three kids, Zain Ali, Urwa Fatima, and Vihan Kumar, was a terrible moment for all. As a result, I was upset for days.
SALIL RAINA: As per the media reports, you were seen visiting various places to save innocent lives. A video went viral where you were seen picking up a kid who was badly injured. Later a religious teacher died in your hands. Likewise, you also helped various injured people amid heavy shelling. From where did you get the inner power to go out and help the people?
PARDEEP SHARMA: During the shelling, local media was very active, and I think they took my photos and circulated them on social media. That is why my photos and videos came out in national and international media. I was unaware of everything because I was focused on contacting every affected family during the crisis. I think only God gave me inner strength and took my services. I am nothing. It was God’s plan to take my help for the innocent people.
SALIL RAINA: After your pictures and videos went viral, you were appreciated by some national leaders and MPs like Asaduddin Qwaisi and Shashi Tharoor in addition to the appreciation from your senior party leaders. How do you view this massive development in your favor?
PARDEEP SHARMA: Raina Sahib, getting words of appreciation from big leaders like Shashi Tharoor and Owaisi Sahab, who are not comfortable with the ideology of BJP, was really a big moment for me. Some social workers who always stood against the BJP also appreciated my work. I guess it was God's blessing and nothing else. During the 2005 earthquake, the 2014 flood, the 2020-21 Corona wave, and the recent shelling crisis, I did a lot for the people. During corona, I collected nearly three crores and deposited Rs 65 lacs in the PM Care Fund and arranged langar for three months for the people with that money. During the 2014 flood also, I did a lot for the people. Now, during this toughest period in the history of Poonch city, I stood strongly with the people. I also distributed essential kitchen items and financial assistance among the deserving people who suffered a lot during the shelling. As I was busy in public service, some big national leaders appreciated my work, and it was just a blessing from God.
SALIL RAINA: Your critics say that while visiting different places during and after shelling, you had managed to have a camera with you, and you were only looking for a political limelight and nothing else. How do you react to such critics of yours?
PARDEEP SHARMA: Opposition is necessary for rising high. Whatever my critics say, I don’t bother. Where were they when I was in the field during shelling? I saw death with my own eyes, and the majority of my critics were at Jammu. So, I just believe in working for the people, as BJP and Sangh Parivar have taught me to stand for the nation always in any circumstances.
SALIL RAINA: There were huge reports against the district administration as people alleged that during shelling, nobody was here and people were only at the mercy of God. There was no proper coordination between the civil administration and the security forces, and there were no signs of essential services on the ground as well. Despite massive anger against the administration, you were seen showering flowers on the officers of the administration. What are your views on this aspect?
PARDEEP SHARMA: No, I don’t agree on this. I personally saw DC Poonch, SSP Poonch, ASP, Dy.SP HQRS, SHO Poonch, ACR Poonch, and Tehsildar visiting here and there to address the concerns of the people. I visited the DC office and honored the administration for its positive role during the shelling. So, I guess these reports against the administration are baseless.
SALIL RAINA: Raja Sukhdev Singh Hospital has many shortcomings from a war point of view. Had Pakistani shells landed on the hospital, it would have resulted in massive destruction, as hundreds of people were present inside the premises of the hospital for treatment. How do you see the poor condition of the hospital from a war point of view?
PARDEEP SHARMA: Yes, I agree with you. The hospital should have an underground operation theater and ICU. Thank God no shell landed inside the premises of the hospital, as a number of shells landed near the hospital, resulting in massive destruction of lives and properties. I strongly want a medical college in the Poonch district. There should be a number of bullet-proof ambulances. Our district is highly sensitive from a war point of view, and the government should make a solid plan to strengthen health care infrastructure on the ground. Nobody wants to be referred to other hospitals in the absence of proper infrastructure. During the shelling, I even saw safaiwalas doing duties to help the injured persons inside the emergency block. Our hospital needs the immediate attention of the union government, and work on a war footing is needed to strengthen the health care infrastructure in the entire district.
SALIL RAINA: After the Pakistani shelling in which fourteen people, including some children, lost their lives, many VIPs visited Poonch to take stock of the situation on the ground. Although the Home Minister distributed the appointment orders to the members of the affected families, still people across the length and breadth of the society say that the financial assistance announced for the damaged houses and affected persons is very low. What are your views on this?
PARDEEP SHARMA: For the very first time, any union government has done this. Providing government jobs to the members of the affected families without considering their educational qualifications and age criteria is a historic initiative of the government, and I am thankful to PM Modi Ji and Home Minister Amit Shah Ji for this kind gesture. Amit Shah ji has also announced additional compensation of Rs 25 crore for 2,060 homes damaged by Pakistani shelling in border areas of J&K. I hope a special package for Poonch will also be announced soon. Earlier, PM Modi Ji also announced Rs 2 lacs for full damage in addition to SDRF ex gratia. I personally request them to consider the genuine demands of the affected families and also give jobs to the injured persons. Damaged properties need urgent attention from the government as the monsoon season is about to start. I also appeal to the people not to fall for the tactics of any leader regarding ex gratia relief, as the government will distribute the same at the people's doorsteps.
SALIL RAINA: Some people on social media said that Home Minister Amit Shah visited Gurudwara Sahib and Gita Bhawan temple and not Madrassa or Masjid. How do you react to such issues?
PARDEEP SHARMA: It’s a baseless issue. The Home Minister personally visited the house of a Muslim family near the cremation ground and inquired about the unfortunate episode. These allegations come from people with a limited mindset. For the BJP government, the trust and care of 140 crore Indians are important, as our Prime Minister Modi Ji used to say this repeatedly. For the BJP government at the center, people from every section of the society are equal.
SALIL RAINA: How do you weigh the concern shown by Home Minister Amit Shah, LG Manoj Sinha, and LOP Sunil Sharma for the people of Poonch?
PARDEEP SHARMA: LG Manoj Sinha, sir, during his visit to Poonch with Home Minister Amit Shah ji, personally appreciated my work in the presence of Dr. Shenaz Ganai and Chisti Sahib. LG sir said, “Dear Pardeep. I am proud of you. You did a lot by helping the people during the Pakistani shelling. I am really happy.” Reacting to LG Sinha Sahib, Dr. Shenaz Ganai said, “LG Sahib, you appreciated Pardeep Ji, and it’s an honor for the Poonch people.” Let me tell you frankly, Raina sahib, the concern shown by Home Minister Amit Shah Ji, LG Manoj Sinha Ji, and LOP Sunil Sharma sahib for the people of Poonch was unparalleled. I am sure, very soon, the Home Minister will announce a big package for Poonch, as the same was also projected strongly by LG Manoj Sinha Sahib and our LOP Sunil Sharma Ji. Our party president, Sat Sharma Ji, and Ashok Koul Ji also showed their huge concern for the people of Poonch.
SALIL RAINA: Another sensitive question, which I feel you should answer, as this is still a huge public concern. Why did the prime minister not mention anything about the supreme sacrifice of Poonch people in his twenty-two-minute speech, which he gave after Operation Sindoor?
PARDEEP SHARMA: I differ with you on this. In his speech, Modi ji indirectly mentioned everything about Poonch when he said that Pakistan targeted our civilians and religious structures of Mandir, Masjid, and Gurudwara. Only Poonch was targeted by Pakistan in a maximum way. Poonch was the epicenter of the Pakistan shelling. So the concern of our prime minister was totally for Poonch and every place in the country that witnessed drone attacks from Pakistan. Poonch lives in the heart of Modi ji, and nobody should have any doubt about that. After inaugurating the Vande Bharat train from Katra to Srinagar a week ago, Modi ji also appreciated the people of Poonch for their bravery and acknowledged the sacrifice made by them. So, Poonch has full backing from PM Modi Ji.
SALIL RAINA: There are growing allegations against the government over the bunker scam as people allege that a massive scam has taken place in the construction of bunkers in the district. What is your take on this?
PARDEEP SHARMA: Construction of bunkers worth nearly Rs 415 crores was started by our prime minister in 2018 for the border areas of Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch in the Jammu division. At that time, I never thought that one day, Poonch would be targeted by Pakistan. But, I feel, there is a big scam in the construction of bunkers, as brazen violations of rules have taken place as far as the quality of bunkers is concerned. I demand a high-level inquiry into the issue.
SALIL RAINA: People of Poonch City have started to demand an ALC status for Poonch. Please share your thoughts on this matter.
PARDEEP SHARMA: Poonch deserved this ALC status for a long time, but unfortunately, it was not given, and now, after this Pakistani shelling directly targeting the Poonch city, we deserve this status strongly. I request the union government to consider this a priority.
SALIL RAINA: Let’s come to the inner workings of the BJP unit of the district. There were a few allegations against you that you always worked against the party during grassroots and assembly elections. Moreover, some party leaders also said that you never cooperate with other party leaders at the district level, as you are comfortable with your own group only, least bothering about the party activities. Are these allegations against you true?
PARDEEP SHARMA: All these allegations are baseless. I am a loyal party soldier and took the party from 300 votes to 12,000 votes. In the 2019 parliamentary elections, the party took 15,000 votes from my haveli constituency. Now, in the last 2024 assembly elections, only 5,000 votes were added. I was deputed to the Mendhar constituency during the 2024 assembly elections, and the party took more than 17,000 votes for the first time. In Surankote, the party crossed the 23,000 votes mark. Now, anyone can analyze my selfless contribution to the party. The party has full faith in me. The party deputed me to make domicile certificates for POJK people. I went outside J&K several times and met POJK people and played a big role in preparing their domicile certificates. Other issues of POJK people were also brought to the notice of the party high command by me. The party also sent me to some states for assembly elections. Out of the three constituencies where I was sent, the BJP won two and lost the third by nearly 300 votes. In Delhi and Himachal Pradesh, the constituencies where I was deputed were won by BJP, while in MP, the constituency where I was deputed, the party lost by just a few votes. Earlier, also, I was deputed to several assembly constituencies in J&K and other states. The party has huge trust in me, and whatever my critics say, they have no value. My work speaks for me, and the people of Poonch know my contribution to the party and the people.
SALIL RAINA: You took the party to 12,000 votes before the joining of big leaders like ex-MLC Dr. Shenaz Ganai and DDC member Ch. Abdul Gani, but you were reportedly sidelined from various important party responsibilities, while some parachute leaders have been given everything. You were also ignored for the mandate from the Poonch Haveli constituency. Why?
PARDEEP SHARMA: I am a loyal party soldier and always work for the party and don’t believe in any positions in the party. If you have a desire to work for the nation in any capacity, then I think positions within the party don’t matter at all. I strongly stand with the party through thick and thin.
SALIL RAINA: Is the Poonch BJP divided into different factions?
PARDEEP SHARMA: No, Poonch BJP is one strong unit, and there is no difference of opinion among the leaders. For the rest, I focus on my work and don’t waste my time on unnecessary things.
SALIL RAINA: The BJP government gave ST status to the Pahari ethnic tribe, but Paharis failed to show their loyalty towards the BJP during the assembly and parliament elections in 2024. BJP even lost the prestigious Nowshera seat on which powerful BJP leader and former J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina, who played a big role in Pahari people getting ST status, was the candidate. Have Paharis backstabbed the BJP?
PARDEEP SHARMA: No backstabbing. Winning or losing is another thing. In the assembly elections, it was because of Paharis that the BJP stood at the No. 2 position on all the seats that the party had lost in the Rajouri-Poonch region. On losing maximum seats in the Rajouri-Poonch region, it's up to the party high command to analyze the reasons.
SALIL RAINA: What is your contribution to the people of Poonch as an ex-MLC and a senior BJP leader? PARDEEP SHARMA: I stand for my people by all means. As an MLC, I undertook huge developmental works in the city. The DPRs of many projects, including the ring road and car parking project, were prepared with my efforts, but unfortunately, those projects are still not taken to their logical conclusion. As a BJP leader, I am available for all, as my party’s ideology is very clear, and that is to stand for the nation first.
SALIL RAINA: What is the future policy of J&K BJP for the people, as the party has some visionary faces like Sat Sharma, LOP Sunil Sharma, Sham Lal Sharma, Ravinder Raina, and some other big leaders?
PARDEEP SHARMA: The J&K BJP Under the leadership of our president, Sat Sharma Ji, General Secretary Ashok Koul Ji, LOP Sunil Sharma Ji, Sham Lal Sharma, and other big leaders, a lot is being done. The party is working day and night to address the concerns of the people of J&K. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji and Home Minister Amit Shah Ji are duty-bound to make Bharat a global power. In J&K, BJP is the only real voice of the people, and the day is not far away when all the areas of J&K will get their due share. The inauguration of the Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat train by PM Modi Ji a few days ago is just one example of J&K on the path of development. Moreover, Operation Sindoor has not finished yet, and I think this one line is sufficient to indicate the strong intentions of Bharat under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi Ji and Home Minister Amit Shah Ji. I also take this opportunity to pay my tribute to those who lost their lives in a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. We also lost our former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani Ji. It was a terrible crash. May God give strength to all to bear this huge loss?
SALIL RAINA: Thanks.
PARDEEP SHARMA: Welcome, and again, thanks a lot for this opportunity, Raina Sahib.