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PTC Web Desk: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reached Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, where he met the families of civilians who were killed in recent Pakistani cross-border shelling. During his visit, Rahul Gandhi also interacted with schoolchildren, offering words of encouragement and emotional support.

Speaking to the children, Rahul Gandhi said, “I love you all very much. Everything will get better soon. Keep studying hard, play a lot, and make many friends at school. That’s how we’ll overcome these difficult times.”

Rahul Gandhi further said, "It was a big tragedy and many people have lost their lives. There has been huge damage. I spoke with the people and tried to understand their problems. They have requested me to raise this issue on the national level and I will do that."

The Congress leader also visited Gurdwara Guru Singh Sabha in Poonch. The gurdwara sahib was damaged in cross-border shelling by Pakistan.

This marks Rahul Gandhi’s second visit to Jammu and Kashmir following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. His earlier visit took place on April 25, when he travelled to Srinagar and met J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and victims undergoing treatment.

On April 22, terrorists opened fire on tourists in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, killing 26 tourists and injuring over 10 others. The horrific attack triggered a swift military response. On the night of May 6–7 , the IAF conducted precision air strikes targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The camps were reportedly linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. According to official estimates, around 100 terrorists were neutralised in these coordinated air strikes.

In retaliation, Pakistan launched cross-border shelling, including the use of missiles and drone strikes. These attacks claimed the lives of 27 civilians and injured more than 70 others in the border regions of Poonch and Rajouri.

Prior to Rahul Gandhi’s arrival, a five-member delegation from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) had been in Poonch and Rajouri for a three-day tour. The delegation included MP Derek O'Brien, MP Sagarika Ghose, MP Mohammad Nadimul Haque, West Bengal minister Manas Bhunia, and former MP Mamata Thakur.

They visited areas affected by Pakistani shelling and met injured civilians and bereaved families. Addressing the media, Derek O'Brien said, “We are carrying back a message of love. The Chief Ministers of West Bengal and Jammu & Kashmir will remain in touch and work together. We’ve assured the families that their pain will be raised in Parliament.”