A Fragile Calm at the LOC, But Fear Lingers—Is This Just the Eye of the Storm?
Suhail Khan
Amid the war-like situation between India and Pakistan, relentless shelling, missile strikes, and bombardment have forced most of the population to evacuate from border villages to safer locations. The attacks have not only destroyed homes but also claimed lives. Yet, after a long period of intense devastation, one night finally passed quietly—though not without fear, uncertainty, or the looming threat of another storm along the border.
For the first time in days, Sajjad, a resident of Uri, was able to breathe freely—no drones, gunfire, or shelling were reported during the night. Yet, the fear that has taken hold of his mind continues to haunt him.
“Last night was peaceful, but the terror we’ve endured in recent days has left its mark,” he said, his voice trembling. “We’ve already witnessed so much destruction. Now, we live in constant fear—wondering when our turn will come, when a shell might strike us.”
Though no explosions echoed through the night, Sajjad admitted that fear still looms over the border region. He hopes this quiet is a true sign of peace. “We don’t want to see more devastation. We’re exhausted—torn apart from our loved ones.”
The 70-year-old, who spent three harrowing nights in a bunker with three other villagers, recalled the horror: “At my age, I never thought I’d witness such cross-border violence again. This time, it was a battle for survival. Being separated from my family has left me feeling half-dead, and facing these missiles… it’s unbearable.” Tears streamed down his face as he pleaded, “No more war. Let peace prevail. Let us live with our families—we are too weary to endure more destruction.”
He appealed to both nations: “Don’t make us suffer any longer.”
Another resident, Hamza, shared a cautious sense of relief. “For the first time in days, there were no shells, drones, or missiles. I pray both countries honor yesterday’s ceasefire agreement so we can finally breathe freely.”
Hamza explained that his family, like many others in Uri, had been evacuated to scattered shelters. “We’re just a handful left here. I long to see my family return home.”
Meanwhile, The Web Story/The Varmul Post obtained a video showing a family cautiously returning home after the night’s calm.
Official sources confirmed that the situation remained under control across key regions of Jammu and Kashmir—including Poonch, Akhnoor, Rajouri, and Jammu city—during Saturday and Sunday night. No gunfire, shelling, or drone activity was reported along the Line of Control (LoC) or the International Border (IB), signaling a return to stability in these sensitive areas.
However, late Saturday night, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the media, revealing a troubling development: “An understanding was reached between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan to halt military engagements. Yet, in the past few hours, Pakistan has violated this agreement.”
He condemned the breach, stating, “The Indian Army is retaliating against these intrusions. Pakistan bears full responsibility, and we urge immediate corrective action to prevent further escalation.”
Misri emphasized India’s stance: “Our Armed Forces remain on high alert and have been instructed to respond decisively to any violations along the border or LoC.”
Tensions between the two nations have been high since the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives.
(Inputs from Shiekh Dawood)
