Govt announces 1,500 free smart homes for families affected by shelling
Baramulla, Sep 02: Weddings, farming, sports and other community activities have resumed in several villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir, as residents rebuild their lives after disruption caused by cross-border shelling last year.
Villages in Keran, Machil, Tangdhar, Gurez and Uri are once again witnessing marriage ceremonies and social gatherings in local homes, with residents saying families are able to celebrate important occasions without the fear that previously forced them to move such functions to safer places.
The border areas witnessed heavy shelling following the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent military escalation between India and Pakistan in May this year, resulting in casualties and damage to homes and other property.
With the guns falling silent, residents said normal life has gradually resumed, although memories of the violence remain fresh.
Razia Begum, 24, a homemaker from Gurez who recently got married, said families were once reluctant to organise weddings in their villages because of the security situation.
“There was a time when we would stay indoors for days due to firing across the border. Now, people attend weddings in large numbers,” she told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
Farah Jan, 27, a schoolteacher from Uri who recently got married, said frequent ceasefire violations had made life uncertain for border residents.
“People had stopped organising large gatherings, but over the past two years, things have changed,” she said.
In Karnah, Shahbaz Ahmad, 34, a shopkeeper, said several weddings had recently been organised with participation from the local community.
“We remember those who lost their lives in the past, but now the situation has changed. People are coming together once again,” he said.
Mehreen Akhtar, 31, a homemaker from Machil, recalled that shelling had disrupted weddings and other family functions in the past.
“We are now seeing weddings being held with proper arrangements in the villages. Guests are attending without hesitation,” she said.
Junaid Lone, 29, a government employee from Gurez, said marriages, engagements and other community functions had resumed after a prolonged period of uncertainty.
“The normal routine has returned. People are living without the constant fear that used to dominate our lives,” he said.
The return of normal life is not limited to social gatherings. Residents said farming, schooling and sports activities have also resumed across several border areas.
Sajad Mir, 45, a farmer from Tangdhar, said agricultural activities were continuing normally.
“We are working in our fields as usual, and this season has been smooth for cultivation,” he said.
In Gurez, 17-year-old Adil Lone, a student and cricket player, said local youth had resumed playing matches and organising tournaments.
“We are holding local matches and tournaments again. Everyone is taking part actively, and it is good to see the energy back,” he said.
Residents said they remain hopeful that peace along the LoC continues and that their villages are spared further violence.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir government has announced a relief initiative to provide 1,500 free smart homes to families whose houses were damaged during the military escalation earlier this year.
Residents of Poonch welcomed the initiative and urged the authorities to begin construction at the earliest.
“We hope the construction process begins at the earliest so that affected families can receive timely relief and regain stability in their lives,” said Abdul Rashid Khan, 52, a shopkeeper from Poonch.
For residents of the border villages, the return of weddings and community celebrations marks a return to normal life in areas where shelling had once forced families to abandon homes, suspend celebrations and seek safety elsewhere. (KNO)
