As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to grow in the aftermath of the ‘horrific’ killing of 26 tourists in Baisaran valley on April 22, the day-to-day life of the border residents, living in the direct line of fire, has gone for a toss. On Saturday, when this correspondent visited some of the border areas along the International border in the Ranbir Singh Pura sector of the Jammu frontier, the air was thick with anxiety.
At several places, villagers were seen discussing the fallout of the escalating tensions between the neighbouring countries.
So far, the villagers have decided to stay put in their villages and are closely monitoring the prevailing security situation.
When this correspondent attempted to hear their voices, the group of villagers demanded a ‘forceful’ response to punish Pakistan while highlighting their plight under the prevailing circumstances.
“We have witnessed cross-border shelling at regular intervals and paid a heavy price in the past. Once again, we are gearing up for the worst”.We have no choice, we cannot run away, leaving behind ‘homes and hearths’, the senior citizens echoed a similar sentiment.
Those engaged in their small businesses in the border areas said, the last four years were peaceful, and we were able to lead normal lives. “Since the Pahalgam massacre took place, the situation has deteriorated with every passing day. Nobody knows what will happen next. We are living on the edge”.
In one of the villages, which has borne the brunt of heavy mortar shelling in the past, the villagers said, without waiting for the local agencies, we have decided to clean the underground bunkers so that we can save ourselves in case there is shelling or firing from across the border”.
We are exercising extra caution during the night. “We stay alert to ensure the safety of our families and livestock”.
Angry border residents, while narrating their ordeal and remembering the tough times, said, “We want our government to act decisively against the terrorists and their handlers sitting across the border.
“We want the elimination of all those who carried out the cold-blooded murder of unarmed and innocent civilians”.
At some places, the villagers demanded a swift response from the government agencies to complete the repair work of some of the community bunkers, which are in bad shape.
Similar sentiments were shared by residents in the Arnia sector of RS Pura.
“The situation along the border is tense. BSF has stopped the movement of visitors at the octroi post in the Suchetgarh area. The BSF jawans are kept on high alert to prevent any infiltration bid from across the border.
Meanwhile, the situation remained volatile along the line of control as the Pakistan army resorted to unprovoked small arms fire opposite the Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor areas. In response, the Indian army retaliated appropriately.