Jobaaj Stories
Poonch: A Town Caught in the Crossfire
Amidst the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, a chilling narrative emerges from Poonch, a hill city nestled on their disputed border. While missiles fly and rhetoric intensifies, it's the Kashmiri people who bear the brunt of this conflict, their lives and homes devastated by the crossfire. This article delves into the recent events in Poonch, highlighting the human cost of the escalating conflict.
The Devastation in Poonch
The recent escalation began with Indian missile strikes targeting multiple sites in Pakistan, a response to a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Pakistan retaliated with intense shelling of Indian-administered Kashmir, particularly Poonch district. This bombardment, described by locals as the most intense in over 40 years, left a trail of destruction.
- Homes reduced to rubble: Videos shared by Poonch residents depict scenes of devastation – collapsed homes, craters in the walls, and a landscape strewn with debris and blood.
- Heavy casualties: At least 11 people were killed in Poonch, including two siblings crushed in their home, store owners caught in the shelling, a seven-year-old child, and several other adults. The injured numbered in the dozens.
- Worst-hit areas: Villages like Shahpur, Mankote, and Krishna Ghati suffered the most significant damage, forcing mass evacuations.
“This was a night of terror,” recounted Rameez Choudhary, a Poonch resident, echoing the sentiments of many. The shelling, which continued intermittently, caused widespread panic and fear among the residents. This wasn't just a fleeting conflict; it was a brutal reality shattering lives and homes. Many in Poonch voiced their anger at local authorities for failing to evacuate residents before the shelling.
Operation Sindoor and its Aftermath
The Indian military operation, codenamed "Operation Sindoor," involved precision strikes on at least nine locations within Pakistan, including Bahawalpur and Muridke. India accused Pakistan of supporting the group responsible for the Pahalgam attack, a claim Pakistan denied. The scale of the strikes is considered more extensive than those in 1999 (Kargil conflict) or 2019 (Balakot strikes), raising serious concerns about the potential for further escalation.
While India claims its strikes targeted "terror base camps," Pakistan alleges that innocent civilians were killed.
- International Reactions: The operation sparked various reactions globally, with some countries expressing concerns over the escalation while others offered support to India's stance against terrorism.
- India's Defence: India maintains that the operation was “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” targeting terrorist infrastructure rather than military installations.
Kashmiris on the Frontline
The escalating conflict has left Kashmiris, once again, caught in the crossfire. The shelling prompted widespread fear and uncertainty among residents, with families fleeing their homes, schools converting into relief centers, and people hoarding essential supplies. The recurring cycle of violence leaves the people of Poonch and other border areas perpetually living in fear, unsure of their safety or future.
The refrain from residents is clear: "We don't want war." Their anguish is a stark reminder of the human toll extracted by geopolitical tensions, where ordinary civilians become unwilling participants in a much larger conflict.
Conclusion
The situation in Poonch is a harrowing illustration of the human cost of conflict. While nations engage in strategic calculations and military posturing, it’s the innocent civilians who bear the ultimate price. The events in Poonch demand a renewed commitment to de-escalation, diplomatic solutions, and a prioritization of human lives over nationalistic agendas. The urgent need is for peace, not more violence. Only through dialogue and empathy can a lasting solution be found to end the cycle of violence in Kashmir and protect the lives of its residents. The international community must press for a peaceful resolution and help to mitigate the suffering of those caught in the conflict.
