Srinagar, Feb 17 (KNO): For the first time in four years, fear is creeping back into the villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir as debates over cross-border firing raise concerns that tensions between the Indian and Pakistani armies could escalate, endangering the fragile peace since the 2021 ceasefire.
The 2021 ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan had brought an unprecedented sense of security, allowing residents to rebuild their lives without the constant fear of shelling but the current discourse has reignited anxieties about a return to violence.
"A fresh exchange of fire occurred along the LoC in Poonch’s Pir Panjal Valley on Sunday, with no casualties reported," officials told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
In Rajouri district, residents said they lived without the terror of mortars falling on their homes in the past four years.
"Now, with these discussions, we fear being caught in the crossfire again," Mohammad Suleiman, a local, said.
Similarly, in Poonch, Kashim Khan a local farmer, said the ceasefire gave their children a future. "If hostilities resume, we will be forced to flee, and their studies will suffer," he said. "Business had picked up as people felt safe to move around. We've rebuilt our lives and livelihoods. The mere thought of returning to those dark days is distressing."
Another resident of Poonch added, "A potential breakdown of the ceasefire agreement is deeply unfortunate for border residents like us. We are the ones who bear the brunt of shelling, losing our homes, livelihoods, and sometimes our loved ones."
Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident of Karnah, said the recent debates over cross-border firing have gripped LoC residents with fear. "We have lived in peace for four years, but now uncertainty looms over our lives once again," he said.
Meanwhile, locals in Gurez Valley expressed a strong desire for the ceasefire along the LoC to remain intact, saying it has brought much-needed stability to their lives. "We pray and hope that peace continues, as it has allowed our areas to witness significant development," said Ajaz Ahmad.
"Infrastructure has improved, and even border tourism has gained momentum, benefiting local businesses and providing employment," he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said the cross-border firing has caused immense suffering since 1947.
Speaking with reporters in Baramulla, the Deputy CM said, "It is unfortunate that we have been witnessing it since 1947. It has ruined lives whenever it erupts. Hopefully, we will get rid of it.”
Speaking to the media after inaugurating the first edition of the Sikh Cricket Premier League at Jammu University, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the Indian Army is fully capable of giving a strong and appropriate response on the border. "Indian Army is effectively responding to the situation," he said when asked a question about the recent violence along the Line of Control (LoC).
The comment came a day after Pakistan troops targeted Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Gulpur sector of Poonch, which was retaliated with equal calibre.
The fresh tensions between both nations escalated along the LoC in the past few days.
On Feb 14, an army jawan was injured in a sniper shot suspected to have been fired from across the border in the Keri area of Akhnoor sector.
On Feb 11, a young captain and a soldier were killed while another was injured in an IED explosion near the LoC in Akhnoor sector.
On Feb 10, an army jawan sustained a bullet injury in suspected firing from across the border in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district.
On Feb 8, Indian troops effectively retaliated to the firing by suspected terrorists along the LoC in Rajouri district.
Meanwhile, on the intervening night of February 4 and 5, a major infiltration bid was foiled when a group of suspected terrorists believed to be killed in a landmine explosion on the LoC in Battal area of Krishna Ghati Sector in Mendhar area of Poonch district—(KNO)