Rahul Gandhi to Sponsor Education of 22 Poonch Orphans
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has pledged to fund the education of 22 children in Jammu & Kashmir’s Poonch district who lost one or both parents during Pakistani shelling in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. These children, many of whom belong to poor families near the Line of Control, were directly affected by the violence between May 7 and 10.
Initiative Follows Ground Visit
The initiative was launched after Rahul Gandhi visited the region in May and interacted with families who had suffered losses. He had then instructed local Congress leaders to identify children in need of long-term educational support. A list of 22 such students was finalized after verification through local networks and community leaders.
Full Support Till Graduation
According to party officials, the financial aid will cover complete schooling expenses for each of the 22 children, extending up to their undergraduate level. The first phase of assistance is expected to be disbursed by July 30. Further names may be added if other cases are confirmed through proper documentation.
A Personal Gesture
During his visit to Christ Public School in Poonch, Gandhi met orphaned students including twins Urba Fatima and Zain Ali, who lost both parents during shelling. He assured them that their education would not suffer and encouraged them to stay strong and focus on their future.
Civilian Toll in Focus
Poonch was among the worst-hit areas during retaliatory strikes and Pakistani shelling following India’s anti-terror operations across the LoC. At least 13 civilians, including women and children, were reported killed in the district. The sponsorship initiative is seen as a humanitarian gesture amid continued political tensions in the region.
