News in Frames | From ashes, they rise

Amid cross-border shelling, devastation, and displacement, the resilient people of Jammu and Kashmir endure, standing strong through the toughest times

The border regions such as Uri and Poonch along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir endured a devastating wave of cross-border shelling in May during the India-Pakistan conflict, causing significant loss of life and property. The violence escalated in the second week of May, during which several civilians were killed.

The shelling damaged critical infrastructure, including homes and schools, displacing hundreds of residents. While the Jammu and Kashmir administration responded by establishing makeshift camps in safer zones, providing emergency healthcare, food, and water to the affected populations, many affected people resided in the underground community bunkers constructed by the government in the forward areas for critical times like these. Both locals and officials feel that the current bunkers will no longer be sufficient going forward, and are asking for many more, including individual bunkers for families. In many villages, houses are scattered and few and far between, and this becomes challenging for people to reach the community bunkers.

Despite the immense challenges, the resilience of the local communities has been evident. Efforts are under way to rebuild homes and restore normalcy. Top political leaders from across the spectrum visited the border areas and assured the people of compensation. While the scars of the conflict remain, the determination of the people of Uri and Poonch to rebuild their lives reflects their enduring spirit in the face of adversity.

The markets and schools have reopened, people are rebuilding their homes, and many have returned to clear the debris and start afresh, hoping that this was a nightmare never to be seen again.