Will Take Time for Normalcy to Return: Poonch Resident Amid Indo-Pak Tensions
The recent escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan has left a trail of destruction and fear in its wake. The border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir has been one of the worst-hit areas, with residents living in a state of terror as shells and unexploded ordnance continue to litter the landscape.
I recently spoke with a resident of Nangali Sahib village in Poonch, who shared his harrowing experience of living in the midst of the conflict. The village is just four to five kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC), and the resident said that fear is palpable among the people.
“It’s been a nightmare,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion. “We’ve never experienced anything like this before. The shelling has been relentless, and we’re living with the constant threat of unexploded shells. It’s a daily struggle to survive.”
The resident’s words paint a stark picture of the reality on the ground. The shelling has caused widespread damage, with many homes and buildings reduced to rubble. The villagers are forced to live with the constant fear of accidents and injuries, as they navigate through the debris-strewn streets.
The situation is particularly dire for those living in areas close to the LoC. The resident I spoke to said that the shelling has been intense, with shells crashing down on the village almost daily. The villagers are forced to take cover in underground bunkers or hide in safer areas, but even that is no guarantee of safety.
“It’s like living in a war zone,” he said. “We’re not sure when the next shell will come, or where it will land. It’s a constant fear that’s eating us away.”
The resident also spoke about the psychological toll that the conflict has taken on the villagers. The constant fear and uncertainty have left many feeling anxious and depressed, with some even reporting cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“It’s not just the physical damage that’s affected us,” he said. “The psychological trauma is just as severe. We’re living with the constant fear of death or injury, and it’s taking a toll on our mental health.”
Despite the challenges, the resident expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Indian Army and other relief workers who have been providing assistance to the affected areas. He said that the villagers are grateful for the support, but added that it will take time for normalcy to return.
“It’s going to take a lot of time for us to recover from this,” he said. “The damage is extensive, and it’s going to take a lot of effort to rebuild our lives. But we’re hopeful that with the support of the government and the army, we’ll be able to overcome this and move forward.”
The situation in Poonch is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of conflict. The residents of Nangali Sahib village and other affected areas are living through a nightmare, and it will take a lot of effort to bring them back to normal life.
As the situation continues to unfold, it’s clear that the road to recovery will be long and arduous. But with the support of the government, the army, and the international community, there is hope that the residents of Poonch will one day be able to live in peace and security once again.
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