We have faith in Modi, Indian Army, Say Jammu Border residents

R S Pura (Jammu): Living under the shadow of gun, border residents are not yet ready to return to their homes, saying the intentions of Pakistan are doubtful as usual.
After a pause in deadly firing following a ceasefire after a tough Indian response in Operation Sindoor post Pahalgam killings of April 22, these residents say they have faith in Prime Minister NarendraModi and the Indian armed forces.
Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a tense spell of cross-border shelling over the past fortnight and the situation escalated on May 7 following Operation Sindoor which targeted terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir.
The strikes were launched in response to the deadly attack on Pahalgam tourists in which 27 people died.
However, after days of shelling and exchanges of fire, India and Pakistan on Saturday evening, agreed to a ceasefire providing a breather to residents in the border areas who had been caught in the crossfire and migrated to safer locations.
The district administration has deputed a team of doctors at identified shelter homes where the border residents are accommodated.
“Though ceasefire is announced, how can we return to our homes? Shells landed in our territory despite the ceasefire pact, who fired them? We do not trust Pakistan and we will return to our homes only when the administration will officially declare total peace on borders,” said Sham Lal, a border resident who shifted to one of the shelter homes.
Another border resident, Ram Pal said, “We cannot trust Pakistan. How can we? After all, shelling took place even after a ceasefire between both nations.”
“This time we want “aar-ya-paar” (now or never),” said a furious Ram Pal.
With anger in his eyes, he said, “Only a one-time settlement is the only treatment for Pakistan. Instead of dying each day, we will also live in peace thereafter.”
“We do not want our future generations to share our fate and live in perpetual fear. We want the final settlement,” he said, holding firm that his family will not return until the administration officially tells them.
Border resident Balak Ram said, “We will not risk the lives of our families. Despite ceasefire, drone attacks were seen in Srinagar and heavy shelling in parts of the International Border in Jammu region.”
“Ceasefire means little for us because Pakistan continued shelling on Saturday night. Enough is enough. This time, it must be “aaryapaar” or a tough lesson should be taught to Pakistan,” said DarshanLal at the shelter home.
“We are fed up now. No matter what steps are taken, peace should prevail because it is in the interest of both the countries,” he said, adding that many people have migrated out of the town. “But for how long can they afford to stay outside?” he questioned.
MLA Suchetgarh, Garu Ram Bhagat said, “Arrangements are in place at all the identified shelter homes in the border areas of R S Pura.” He said the cattle having splinter injuries were being provided treatment at the veterinary hospitals.
Meanwhile a doctor conducting medical check-ups of the border residents at a shelter home said that many of them, especially the aged, have been found undergoing stress. Some of them have a blood pressure problem and diabetes. “Even children are under high level of stress. We have advised their parents to engage them in sports or other co-curricular activities,” said the doctor.
The borders in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the first calm night in recent days, officials said on Monday.
They said no incident of cross-border shelling was reported during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday.
“The night remained largely peaceful across Jammu and Kashmir and other areas along the International Border. No incidents have been reported, marking the first calm night in recent days,” said an official.