Sat to eat when sirens went off due to Pak shelling: J&K resident
The Uri town in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district faced a terrifying night on Thursday, as Pakistan launched a series of shelling attacks, leaving one woman dead and several others injured. The residents of Uri, who had just sat down to enjoy their evening meals, were suddenly forced to abandon their homes and seek shelter in nearby bunkers.
Babar, a 38-year-old resident of Uri, recounted his harrowing experience to the Indian Express. “We just sat down to eat when the siren rang out. We left everything and ran to the neighbours’ bunker,” he said, still shaken by the events of the night.
This is not the first time that the residents of Uri have faced the wrath of Pakistani shelling. Babar’s own house has been destroyed twice in the past. In 1999, it was a shell that ripped through his home, leaving him with no choice but to rebuild. Only to have it happen again in 2005, when a devastating earthquake struck the region, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
For many residents of Uri, the sound of sirens has become all too familiar. The constant threat of shelling has become a part of their daily lives, and they have learned to adapt to the situation. “We have learned to live with the threat of shelling,” said Babar. “We just try to stay calm and follow the instructions of the authorities.”
However, the frequency and intensity of the shelling attacks have increased significantly over the past few years. The Indian Army has been engaged in a series of military operations against terrorist groups in the region, and Pakistan has responded with its own shelling attacks.
The latest incident in Uri is a stark reminder of the human cost of this ongoing conflict. The woman who lost her life in the shelling attack was identified as 35-year-old Shahnaz Begum. Several others were injured, including children, who were caught in the crossfire.
The Uri town is located along the Line of Control (LoC), which separates Indian-administered Kashmir from Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The region has been a flashpoint for violence and tensions between the two countries in the past.
The Indian Army has been on high alert since the shelling attack, and troops have been deployed in the region to prevent any further incidents. The authorities have also set up bunkers and shelters in the area, where residents can seek refuge in case of an emergency.
Despite the risks and uncertainties, the residents of Uri remain resilient and determined to rebuild their lives. “We will not be deterred by the threats of shelling,” said Babar. “We will continue to live in our homes and rebuild our lives, no matter what the situation may be.”
The incident in Uri is a stark reminder of the need for a peaceful and lasting solution to the Kashmir conflict. The constant shelling and violence have caused immense human suffering and economic losses, and it is time for the governments of India and Pakistan to come together to find a peaceful resolution.
As the residents of Uri continue to rebuild and recover from the latest shelling attack, it is clear that the road to peace and stability will be long and difficult. However, with the support and solidarity of the international community, it is possible to create a brighter future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
