In Photos: Rahul Gandhi visits J&K's Poonch, pays homage to innocent lives lost in the Pakistani shelling

Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi visited Jammu & Kashmir's Poonch on May 24 where he met the residents that were affected by the recent shelling from Pakistan. He even met the families of the victims who died in the shelling. (Image credit: PTI)

Poonch was among the worst affected districts in Pakistan shelling accounting for maximum civilian fatalities. Dozens of houses were damaged in the attack. The attack by Pakistan occurred after India's successful launch of Operation Sindoor. (Image credit: PTI)

Addressing the local residents and students, he said, "Don't worry... everything will come back to normal. Your way of responding to this problem should be that you study really hard, you play really hard, and you make lots of friends in school." (Image credit: PTI)

He visited a school in Pooch where he interacted with the children. He applauded the brave hearts and said, "You've faced a bit of danger and a frightening situation, but don't worry; everything will return to normal." (Image credit: PTI)

He also visited Gurudwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha, one of the oldest gurudwaras in Pooch that was severely damaged in the recent cross-border shelling. (Image credit: ANI)

While addressing the media during his visit to Poonch, Gandhi said, "It was a big tragedy and many people have lost their lives. There has been huge damage. I spoke with the people and tried to understand their problems. They have requested me to raise this issue on the national level and I will do that." (Image credit: PTI)

Prior to his visit, J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah also visited Poonch. Abdullah confirmed the visit of Gandhi on 23 May and had also appreciated all those political leaders who are reaching out to the affected area. (Image credit: ANI)