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 Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. For the residents of Poonch, a border district in J&K, the news has brought a sense of calm and tranquility after years of shelling and violence. Among those who are rejoicing the most is 70-year-old Khalil Ahmad Bandey, a retired forest official who has seen the worst of the conflict.
“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 fulfill a vow) to have a ceasefire between the two countries. Today, I feel I am alive again.”
Bandey’s words are a testament to the devastating impact that the conflict has had on the people of J&K. The constant shelling and violence have left deep scars, and many have lost their loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. The ceasefire announcement, therefore, is a welcome respite from the chaos and uncertainty that has plagued the region for so long.
Poonch, in particular, has been one of the worst-affected districts. The district has seen frequent shelling and violence, with many residents forced to flee their homes in search of safety. The constant fear of death and destruction has taken a toll on the mental and physical health of the residents, and many have struggled to cope with the trauma.
Bandey’s family is no exception. His son, who was a farmer, was killed in a shelling incident a few years ago, leaving his wife and two young children to fend for themselves. Bandey’s own health has also suffered due to the stress and anxiety caused by the conflict. He has been suffering from chronic pain and has been unable to sleep properly due to the constant sound of gunfire and explosions.
But with the ceasefire announcement, Bandey feels a sense of hope and relief that he hasn’t felt in years. “I can finally sleep peacefully at night,” he said. “I can finally think about the future without worrying about whether I will survive another day.”
The ceasefire announcement is not just a welcome respite for individuals like Bandey, but also for the local economy. Poonch is a rural district, and the conflict has had a devastating impact on the local businesses and livelihoods. The ceasefire has given the residents a chance to catch their breath and focus on rebuilding their lives.
“We are grateful for the ceasefire,” said Muhammad Yousuf, a local shopkeeper. “We can finally focus on rebuilding our businesses and providing for our families. We hope that this ceasefire will lead to a lasting peace and end to the violence.”
The ceasefire announcement has also given the residents of Poonch a chance to reconnect with their community and rebuild their social fabric. The conflict has torn families apart, with many residents forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in other parts of the country. The ceasefire has given them a chance to reunite with their loved ones and rebuild their communities.
For Bandey, the ceasefire announcement is not just a welcome respite from the conflict, but also a chance to reconnect with his community. “I am going to visit my relatives and friends who I haven’t seen in years,” he said. “I am going to attend the Friday prayers at the mosque and participate in the local festivals. I am going to live life to the fullest again.”
As the news of the ceasefire spreads across the region, the residents of Poonch are rejoicing, knowing that they have been given a second chance at life. The ceasefire announcement is a symbol of hope and peace, and it gives the residents a chance to rebuild their lives and live in harmony with each other.
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