Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma on Tuesday called on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and urged the Centre to accelerate the transformation of border villages under the “First Village” concept while pressing for early resolution of long-pending issues concerning residents living along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC).
During the meeting, Sharma submitted a detailed representation highlighting the challenges faced by border residents and sought enhanced infrastructure, improved security arrangements and timely compensation for people whose land has been acquired or used for defence-related projects.
According to a statement issued by the BJP, Sharma stressed that villages located along the IB and LoC should be viewed as the country’s “first villages” rather than its last villages, calling for focused investment in roads, connectivity, healthcare, education, communication facilities and livelihood opportunities.
He said strengthening border infrastructure was not only essential for improving the quality of life of residents but also critical for reinforcing national security.
Sharma also raised the issue of community and individual bunkers, urging the Defence Ministry to upgrade existing structures and construct additional bunkers in vulnerable areas to safeguard civilians during cross-border shelling and other emergencies.
Another major issue flagged during the meeting was the long-pending compensation for landowners whose land has been used by defence forces and other agencies for strategic infrastructure and operational requirements.
He urged the Defence Minister to ensure that affected families receive fair and timely compensation, stating that many residents had sacrificed their land and livelihoods in the larger national interest and deserved justice.
Referring to the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Sharma appreciated the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said the Centre’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism had significantly strengthened the security environment in the Union Territory.
He said improved security had created conditions for development and stability while enhancing public confidence in border areas.
The BJP leader also criticised previous governments, alleging that border populations were often ignored except during periods of crisis.
He said the present government was committed to the welfare of border residents and was working to ensure that people living in frontline areas received improved infrastructure, better public services and greater developmental opportunities.
Responding to the issues raised, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured that concerns relating to bunker construction, maintenance and land compensation would be examined sympathetically.
The minister also indicated that he would consider visiting border areas of Jammu and Kashmir to interact with residents and security personnel and assess the ground situation firsthand.
He expressed confidence that Jammu and Kashmir was moving steadily towards lasting peace, greater development and stronger national integration.
The meeting assumes significance as border residents in several districts of Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Rajouri and Poonch have repeatedly sought improved protective infrastructure and early settlement of compensation claims linked to defence-related land acquisition.
