Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in India’s Lok Sabha, has committed to adopting 22 children from the Poonch district in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir who were orphaned due to cross-border shelling between India and Pakistan. These children lost one or both parents, many of whom were sole breadwinners, following the escalation in violence triggered by the April 22, 2025 terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam and the subsequent military operation named "Operation Sindoor."
According to Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hamid Karra, Rahul Gandhi will cover the full educational expenses for these children from their current schooling level through to graduation. The first installment of this financial aid is scheduled for release starting July 30, 2025. The decision follows a thorough local survey and cross-verification process to ensure help reaches the eligible families.
Rahul Gandhi personally visited Poonch soon after the shelling escalated and instructed local party leaders to identify and compile a list of affected children to aid. He also visited schools and met some of the affected children, offering them comfort and encouragement to continue their education despite the hardships they have endured.
This humanitarian gesture arrives amid heightened tensions and civilian suffering in Jammu and Kashmir due to the conflict escalation and has been met with mixed responses some praising Gandhi’s leadership and empathy, while others question the timing and political motives.
The Poonch region remains one of the worst-hit areas by the violence, with significant civilian casualties, including children. Gandhi's support aims to provide a lifeline to those left most vulnerable by these ongoing hostilities.
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