Rahul Gandhi to visit shelling-hit Balakote in J&K

Jammu, Aug 20: Against the backdrop of escalation of hostilities by Pakistan on the border, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Balakote sector of Poonch district, which has been hit by shelling, during his three-day trip to Jammu and Kashmir commencing on August 26.

"Rahul will be visiting all three regions of the state. He will visit the Balakote area of Poonch district where six of persons have died and dozens injured due to Pakistan firing on August 15," Mir said.

He will also meet families of the victims and interact with affected population of the border belts, he added.

Gandhi will arrive in Jammu on August 26 and meet the representatives of different sections of society besides address a Panchayat Conference of the party for Jammu province, Mir said.

Mir held a meeting of Executive Members, Office Bearers of JKPCC, District Presidents and contesting candidates besides frontal wing heads at JKPCC headquarters here today, to chalk out the detailed programme in this regard.

He apprised the leaders about the detailed programme of the Congress vice President and sought their suggestions. Mir accompanied by senior leaders will be visiting Balakote area of Mendhar tomorrow morning.

PTI