Children affected by the May conflict in India to be taken under the care of Gandhi
During the ongoing monsoon session of India's parliament, a debate on "Operation Sindoor" has been underway. This operation, launched by the Indian military in response to the Pahalgam attack, targeted what India claimed was "terror infrastructure" in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred in India-administered Kashmir, resulted in 26 deaths, primarily of Hindu men. The conflict between India and Pakistan over the following four days resulted in 28 deaths, with the border district of Poonch seeing 13 civilian fatalities. The children who lost their parents during this conflict are from the Poonch district, which lies on the west border of the disputed territory and borders the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in India's lower house of parliament, the Lok Sabha, has announced he will sponsor the education of 22 orphaned children from the Poonch district. Following his visit to Poonch after a devastating shelling incident, Gandhi met with the bereaved families and promised to provide financial aid until the children graduate.
The first installment of the aid was scheduled for release during the week of July 29, 2025, fulfilling Gandhi’s promise. The political leader will continue to sponsor the education of these children, ensuring their schooling continues without interruption until they graduate.
Reports suggest that there may be plans to extend or sponsor education for about 30 children in Poonch, indicating possible broader support beyond the initial 22. However, the most specific and confirmed number in current reports is 22 children.
The debate on "Operation Sindoor" is being monitored by Saim Dušan Inayatullah. The April 2024 election saw an increase in the share of seats for opposition parties, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to make a statement on India's military strikes at the parliament session later on Tuesday.
The Poonch district, witnessing the aftermath of the conflict between India and Pakistan, has 22 orphaned children who require sponsorship for their education, as announced by Rahul Gandhi, the opposition leader in India's parliament. The ongoing parliamentary debate regarding "Operation Sindoor" is followed by journalist Saim Dušan Inayatullah, who also reports the potential expansion of educational support to 30 children in Poonch.
