I Feel I’m Alive Again: J&K Resident After Ceasefire Announcement
The announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan has sent waves of relief and hope across the border regions of Jammu and Kashmir. For Khalil Ahmad Bandey, a 70-year-old retired forest official in Poonch, the news has brought a sense of rebirth. “Today, I feel I am alive again,” he exclaimed, his eyes shining with tears of joy.
Bandey’s words are not an exaggeration. For years, the constant shelling and cross-border firing have left him and his fellow residents of Poonch living in perpetual fear. The sound of gunfire and explosions has become an unsettling norm, making it difficult for people to sleep, work, or even venture out of their homes. The psychological toll of this chronic stress has been immense, with many residents suffering from anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Bandey, who has spent most of his life working in the forests of Poonch, has seen the best and worst of times. He remembers when the region was peaceful, and people could move about freely without the fear of being caught in the crossfire. He has witnessed the devastating impact of the conflict on his community, including the loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of families.
Despite the hardships, Bandey remained optimistic, holding on to the hope that one day, the fighting would stop, and peace would return. And now, with the announcement of a ceasefire, he feels that hope has been realized. “You can’t imagine; we people had vowed so many niyaz (an offering of food or other gifts to fulfill a vow) to have a ceasefire between the two countries,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
Niyaz is a traditional practice in Poonch, where people make offerings to their deities, ancestors, or even the armed forces, praying for peace and an end to the conflict. Bandey’s words are a testament to the deep longing for peace that has been building up over the years. For him, the ceasefire announcement is not just a political development but a divine intervention that has given him a new lease on life.
The people of Poonch are not alone in their joy. Across Jammu and Kashmir, residents are celebrating the news, hailing it as a chance to catch their breath and rebuild their lives. The ceasefire has brought a sense of calm to the region, allowing people to venture out of their homes, engage in economic activities, and rekindle their lost sense of normalcy.
For Bandey, the ceasefire is not just a temporary reprieve but a chance to rebuild and restart his life. He plans to spend more time with his family, revisit his old haunts in the forests, and reconnect with his community. “I want to see my grandchildren grow up in peace,” he said, his eyes misting over with emotion.
The ceasefire announcement has also given the people of Poonch a chance to reflect on the devastating impact of the conflict on their lives. They are now beginning to rebuild their homes, restore their livelihoods, and revive their traditional practices. The region’s economy is slowly starting to revive, with people returning to their businesses and trading activities.
The ceasefire is not without its challenges, however. The process of rebuilding and reconciliation will take time, effort, and patience. The people of Poonch will need to work together to overcome the psychological scars of the conflict and rebuild their community. The government and other stakeholders will need to provide support and resources to help them achieve their goals.
Despite the challenges, the people of Poonch are optimistic about the future. They are determined to make the most of this chance to catch their breath and rebuild their lives. For Bandey, the ceasefire announcement is not just a political development but a chance to live life to the fullest. “I feel I am alive again,” he said, his voice filled with joy and gratitude.
