I Feel I’m Alive Again: J&K Resident After Ceasefire Announcement
The announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan has brought a glimmer of hope to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Poonch district. Among those who are rejoicing is 70-year-old Khalil Ahmad Bandey, a retired forest official who has lived through the turmoil of the region.
“I feel I am alive again,” Bandey exclaimed, his eyes shining with tears of joy. “You can’t imagine; we people had vowed so many niyaz (an offering of food or other gifts to fulfil a vow) to have a ceasefire between the two countries. Today, I feel I am alive again.”
For years, the residents of Poonch have lived with the constant fear of Pakistani shelling, which has caused immense destruction and loss of life. The district has borne the brunt of cross-border firing, with many residents forced to flee their homes to escape the violence.
Bandey’s family has also been affected by the conflict. His son, who was injured in a shelling incident, is still recovering from his injuries. “My son was hit by shrapnel during a shelling incident. We had to rush him to the hospital, and he spent weeks in ICU,” Bandey recalled, his voice trembling with emotion. “The ceasefire announcement has given us a chance to catch our breath and start rebuilding our lives.”
The ceasefire announcement has also given Bandey a sense of relief. He has been unable to visit his ancestral home in the nearby village of Surankote due to the security situation. “I had planned to visit my ancestral home for my grandson’s birthday, but the shelling was too intense. Today, I’m planning to go and celebrate with my family,” he said.
Bandey’s story is not unique. Many residents of Poonch have been affected by the conflict, and the ceasefire announcement has brought hope to their lives. The district has seen some of the worst violence in the region, with many people losing their homes and livelihoods.
The ceasefire announcement has also given the residents of Poonch a chance to rebuild their lives. Many people who were forced to flee their homes are now planning to return. “We had to leave our homes and move to safer areas. Now, we’re planning to go back and start rebuilding our lives,” said a resident of Poonch.
The ceasefire announcement has also given the government a chance to focus on development and infrastructure projects in the region. The district has been plagued by poor infrastructure and lack of basic amenities, which has made life difficult for the residents.
The announcement has also given the residents of Poonch a chance to engage in economic activities. Many people in the district are engaged in agriculture and trade, but the conflict has made it difficult for them to carry out their work. “The ceasefire has given us a chance to resume our economic activities. We’re planning to start trading again and rebuild our businesses,” said a local trader.
In conclusion, the ceasefire announcement has brought hope to the residents of Poonch. The district has seen some of the worst violence in the region, and the conflict has had a devastating impact on the lives of the residents. The announcement has given the residents a chance to rebuild their lives and start anew. It has also given the government a chance to focus on development and infrastructure projects in the region.
As Khalil Ahmad Bandey said, “Today, I feel I am alive again.” The ceasefire announcement has given the residents of Poonch a chance to catch their breath and start rebuilding their lives. It is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that it will lead to a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
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