Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said people from border areas who had fled their homes due to heavy Pakistani shelling should return.

He was speaking to reporters after visiting Poonch, a town close to the Line of Control (Loc) in Jammu, which bore the brunt of Pakistani shelling. Thirteen people were killed in Poonch, including siblings, a brother and his sister.

“Whether some people want to accept it or not, we have been working non-stop to save lives,” Abdullah said, responding to criticism about the administration’s response. “Now that the shelling has stopped, it’s time to begin rehabilitation.”

He said that instructions had been given to officials in Rajouri, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora and other affected areas to form special teams to assess damage to homes, religious sites and public buildings.

“Each area will be properly surveyed, and reports will be made in a standard format,” he said, adding that restoring safety and normal life was the top priority.

The chief minister said his government had received helpful suggestions from civil society members in Poonch. “We will act on those suggestions,” he said.

The chief minister dismissed claims that any community was targeted. “The shelling did not spare temples, madrasas, dargahs, or homes. It was completely indiscriminate,” he said, praising the people of Poonch for maintaining communal harmony.

“In these difficult times, the unity shown by Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs has been admirable. We must keep that spirit alive,” he said.

Abdullah denied reports that senior officers had left their posts. “During my video call with Deputy Commissioners, I could still hear shelling in the background,’’ he said. “No one had left. Sadly, false information is being spread.”

Asked about Pakistan’s intentions, Abdullah replied, “I don’t have a magic wand to read their minds. I can only talk about what we see on the ground.”