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Kashmir’s Civil Response to Border Violence: Emergency Shelters and Aid for Affected Families

The Azadi Times
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Kashmir’s Civil Response to Border Violence: Emergency Shelters and Aid for Affected Families

Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir — In response to recent cross-border shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), local community action groups across several towns in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir rapidly mobilized emergency support networks to shelter and feed families displaced by the violence.

Though a ceasefire has now taken hold, the days of bombardment left dozens of families without homes or basic necessities. Grassroots emergency committees, particularly in towns like Sehnsa, Holar, and Sudhnoti, established temporary shelters, food distribution points, and blood donation networks in what residents are calling an unprecedented example of “people-powered relief.”

250+ Families Provided Shelter

In Sehnsa and Holar alone, over 150 families have been provided with immediate housing. Keys to 100 ready homes in Holar were handed over to an “Emergency Contact Committee,” which is also managing resource distribution. Sehnsa’s local committees arranged shelter for another 50 families, while simultaneously addressing urgent food shortages.

In neighboring Sudhnoti district, public action committees created similar emergency response structures. Other regions including Ali Sojal, Khai Gala, Tararkhal, Garala, and Pallandri have reported preparation of over 100 family shelters each.

These volunteer-run committees are also forming specialized units for managing food, essential supplies, and blood donations—a critical need in any future escalation.

Humanitarian Hotline Network

To streamline coordination, contact points were set up across affected regions. Citizens were urged to reach out for housing or food aid via dozens of volunteer coordinators. These include Rashid Naeem (03425438068), Tabrez (03435824098), Akmal (03464768308), and others across various zones. In Balouch, 100 additional shelters were arranged under the supervision of advocates and local leaders like Sardar Shamsheer (03465094760) and Faizan Fayaz (03439530180).

In high-altitude areas like Toli Peer and Srinagar Guest House, emergency hospitality has also been extended, particularly by guesthouse managers Sohail Ismail (03334620776) and Osama (03170891581), among others.

Civil Society’s Role in Wartime Response

These efforts highlight the critical role of community self-help in times of conflict, especially in regions like Kashmir where infrastructure is often limited and state response may be delayed. While the latest round of hostilities has calmed under the recent ceasefire, the preparedness and solidarity shown by local residents could serve as a model for future humanitarian response in conflict zones.

The committees remain active, and organizers say they are keeping shelters and aid on standby in case of any future flare-ups.

“This is not just about reacting to war—it’s about taking care of each other when no one else will,” said one local volunteer from Sehnsa.

High Court Approves Housing Scheme on Forest Land in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir, Dismissing Petition

The Azadi Times
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High Court Approves Housing Scheme on Forest Land in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir, Dismissing Petition

Rawalakot, Pakistan-administered Jammu & Kashmir – May 14, 2025: In a controversial verdict, the High Court of Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir has allowed the construction of a private housing scheme on forest land, dismissing a public petition that challenged the legality and environmental impact of the allotment.

The land in question, located in the Paddat area of Rawalakot’s town limits, comprises 100 kanals (approximately 12.5 acres) of valuable forest land. It was allotted to a private developer under the “Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme” at a nominal rate of just PKR 2,000 per kanal—amounting to a total of PKR 200,000 (around $700).

Local residents became aware of the land transfer only after construction work began. They subsequently filed a writ petition in January 2023, arguing that the land was designated as reserved forest and must be used solely for ecological and conservation purposes. The petitioners offered to pay five times the allotment price to preserve the forest.

However, on April 25, 2025, the High Court dismissed the petition. In its ruling, the court stated that the challenge came too late and was based on selective interpretation of previous Supreme Court rulings. The High Court noted that decisions regarding land use in the public interest fall under the jurisdiction of the state government.

Citing another Supreme Court precedent, the judgment emphasized the importance of transparent procedures in executing public-interest projects, particularly those aimed at providing affordable housing. The court also noted that the petitioners failed to establish themselves as “aggrieved parties” since they had no legal claim to the land.

The court did not address whether the land’s status as forest property was legally changed, or whether environmental regulations and no-objection certificates (NOCs) from the Forest Department were obtained before the allotment.

The judgment stated:

“The land belongs to the government, which has decided to use it for public welfare. Hence, any project initiated in the public interest cannot be halted.”

The ruling also stated that the petitioners failed to demonstrate any legal violation or procedural irregularity in the allotment process.

Contradictions with Previous Rulings

This ruling appears to contradict several previous decisions by higher courts in Pakistan. In August 2023, the Supreme Court barred the Mangla Dam Housing Authority in Mirpur from allotting public-use spaces for private development. Similarly, the Supreme Court revoked the notification for a housing scheme in forest land managed by the Pearl Development Authority (PDA) in Banjosa, Rawalakot—ordering the land to be returned to the Forest Department.

In other cases across Pakistan, the courts have consistently ruled against the conversion of forest and agricultural land for private housing. Notably, in February 2020, the Supreme Court ordered the Sindh government to cancel all illegal forest land allotments and reclaim the properties. In 2018, it criticized the provincial administration for allegedly enabling land grabs, including allotments to Bahria Town and other developers.

Most recently, in November 2024, the Lahore High Court ordered the Punjab government to ban housing societies on agricultural land as part of a broader anti-smog policy.

Environmental Concerns Unaddressed

The latest ruling in Rawalakot has raised concerns among environmentalists and civil society groups, who argue that forest land should be strictly protected amid rising deforestation and ecological degradation in the region. The lack of transparency in the allotment and absence of environmental safeguards have further intensified criticism.

Despite multiple court precedents upholding environmental protections, the High Court’s latest decision appears to open the door to private development on ecologically sensitive land, setting a worrying precedent for similar cases in the future.

UN Silent as Kashmiris March Against ‘Genocide’—Authorities Impose Brutal Crackdown

    The Azadi Times
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    UN Silent as Kashmiris March Against ‘Genocide’—Authorities Impose Brutal Crackdown

    Kotli, AJK, (Pakistan administered Kashmir) – The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), led by the Toqeer Gilani faction, has announced a protest rally to submit a memorandum to United Nations Military Observers, condemning the alleged genocide of Kashmiris amid ongoing conflict in the region. The march, organized in collaboration with other pro-independence groups, is set to proceed toward Kotli the largest city and and distrcit headquater in Pakistan administered kashmir.

    However, local authorities have moved swiftly to suppress the demonstration. The Deputy Commissioner of Kotli imposed Section 144, banning public gatherings, while police and administrative officials have been put on high alert to prevent the protest.

    Background: Calls for International Intervention

    The protest was announced two days ago during a press conference by Sardar Aman Kashmiri, a prominent organizer of the JKLF, alongside other Kashmiri leaders. They accused Indian forces of human rights violations in Indian-administered Kashmir and demanded urgent UN intervention.

    “The world cannot remain silent while Kashmiris face systematic violence,” Aman stated during the press briefing. “We will take our voices to the UN observers, no matter the obstacles.”

    Government Crackdown

    Authorities in Kotli have deployed additional security forces, citing concerns over potential unrest. Section 144, which prohibits assemblies of four or more people, has been enforced to block the rally.

    “This protest is a threat to public order,” a district administration official stated anonymously. “We will not allow any unauthorized gatherings.”

    Critics, however, argue that the ban is an attempt to stifle dissent. “The right to peaceful protest is fundamental,” said a human rights activist monitoring the situation. “Suppressing these voices only deepens the crisis.”

    Regional Implications

    The planned march highlights escalating tensions in the region, where Kashmiri groups continue to push for self-determination amid heightened militarization. The JKLF and allied organizations have long demanded an independent Kashmir, free from both Indian and Pakistani control.

    As security forces brace for clashes, international observers are closely watching whether the protest will proceed despite the crackdown—or if Kashmir’s struggle for recognition will face yet another setback.

    Updates to follow as the situation develops.

    (Published by The Azadi Times– Reporting from Kotli, AJK,  (Pakistan administered Kashmir)

    Born Together, Died Together: Zain & Zoya Youngest Victims of LoC Crossfire

    The Azadi Times
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    Born Together, Died Together: Zain & Zoya Youngest Victims of LoC Crossfire

    Cross-border violence escalates as children become victims of ongoing conflict along LoC

    Srinagar, May 13 — The tragic story of 12-year-old twins Zoya and Zain has become a painful symbol of the human cost of continued hostilities along the Line of Control (LoC). The siblings, who shared an inseparable bond since birth, lost their lives on May 7 when artillery shells fired by Pakistani forces struck their home in Poonch district.

    Their mother, Arusa Khan, remains in shock, unable to process that her children will never return. Their father, Rameez Khan, a local schoolteacher, lies critically injured in hospital, unaware that his twins have been buried.

    A Childhood Cut Short

    The twins’ story highlights the devastating impact of cross-border violence on Kashmiri civilians. Zoya and Zain, who had just begun to dream of their futures, became casualties of escalating tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor—a military action that came in response to earlier violence in the region.

    Eyewitnesses report that multiple shells landed near civilian areas in Poonch, with at least 16 casualties reported, including women and children. Local residents describe scenes of chaos as families scrambled for safety amid the bombardment.

    A Grieving Community

    The deaths have sparked outrage across Kashmir, with many questioning why civilian populations continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.

    “These children had their whole lives ahead of them,” said a neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous. “When will the world take notice of our suffering?”

    Funeral prayers for Zoya and Zain were attended by hundreds, their small coffins a stark reminder of the fragility of life in the conflict zone.

    Calls for Accountability

    Human rights organizations have long documented civilian casualties on both sides of the LoC, urging India and Pakistan to respect international humanitarian law. However, with tensions remaining high, there are fears of further violence.

    “The targeting of civilian areas is a clear violation of human rights,” said a spokesperson for a Srinagar-based rights group. “The international community must intervene before more innocent lives are lost.”

    A Mother’s Unimaginable Loss

    As the twins’ mother struggles to come to terms with her loss, their father remains hospitalized in critical condition. The family, like many others in the region, had hoped for a peaceful life away from the frontlines—a hope now shattered.

    Their story serves as a grim reminder that behind the headlines of geopolitical tensions, it is ordinary Kashmiris who continue to pay the highest price.

    (Reporting from Srinagar; names of survivors have been changed for their safety.)

    District Police Anantnag Arrests Four Drug Peddlers, Seizes Heroin-like Substances

      Noreen Haider
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      District Police Anantnag Arrests Four Drug Peddlers, Seizes Heroin-like Substances

      Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir: In a decisive move against the growing drug menace in the region, District Police Anantnag has successfully apprehended four drug peddlers in separate operations, seizing significant amounts of heroin-like substances from their possession.

      The crackdown was part of the police’s ongoing commitment to combating the illicit drug trade that continues to plague local communities.

      Lady Drug Peddler Arrested Near Bangidar Bridge

      The first major success occurred near the Bangidar Bridge, where a notorious female drug peddler, Khushbu Jan, daughter of Farooq Ahmad Sheikh, was arrested. Police seized 07 grams of heroin-like substance from her possession. Khushbu Jan, a resident of Bangidar, is now facing charges under Section 8/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. A case (FIR No. 100/2025) has been filed at the Police Station Anantnag, and investigations are ongoing.

      Two More Arrests in Separate Drug Seizures

      In another significant operation, two male drug peddlers were apprehended in possession of heroin-like substances. Nargis, wife of Mohammad Ali from Bawana JJ Colony, Delhi, was arrested with 03 grams of the substance, while Mohammad Irfan, a resident of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, was caught with 06 grams. Both individuals have been booked under the NDPS Act, and FIR No. 104/2025 has been registered at Police Station Anantnag. The investigation is continuing.

      Arrest in Dooru Shahabad

      In a third operation, Ishfaq Ahmad Hajam, son of Gul Mohammad Hajam, a resident of Saidwara in Dooru Shahabad, was arrested with 06 grams of heroin-like substance. The seizure was made by the Anantnag police as part of their larger campaign to dismantle drug trafficking networks. A case (FIR No. 105/2025) has been filed under the NDPS Act, and investigations are underway.

      Police Commitment to Zero-Tolerance Against Drugs

      District Police Anantnag has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and drug abuse in the region. Authorities have urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious drug-related activities in their communities. The police are committed to ensuring a drug-free society, with efforts being made to apprehend drug traffickers and disrupt illicit networks.

      Read Also: Anantnag Student Sheyrub Parvaiz Secures 4th Rank in Commerce Stream Across Kashmir

      “We cannot fight this battle alone, and we urge the community to come forward with any information related to drug peddling,” a police spokesperson stated. “Together, we can create a safer, drug-free environment for our children and future generations.”

      As the investigation progresses, the police are expected to intensify their operations, targeting both street-level drug dealers and larger syndicates operating in the region.

      Public Awareness and Support

      With increasing concerns about the impact of drug abuse on public health and safety, the police have also called for greater public cooperation. Citizens are encouraged to report drug-related activities to local authorities to help combat the pervasive issue.

      Ongoing Investigation

      The investigation into the arrests is still ongoing, and the police have assured the public that they will continue to work tirelessly to eliminate the drug trade from the region. Authorities have also vowed to expand their outreach programs to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and addiction.

      Gaasu Khimber: Kashmir’s Strawberry Village Thrives During Harvest Season

        The Azadi Times
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        Gaasu Khimber: Kashmir’s Strawberry Village Thrives During Harvest Season

        Gaasu Khimber, Srinagar, Indian administered Kashmir: In the foothills outside Srinagar, the village of Gaasu Khimber is experiencing its peak strawberry harvest — a season that has become central to the livelihoods of nearly a thousand local farmers.

        Known for its fertile soil and cool climate, Gaasu Khimber has emerged as Kashmir’s leading strawberry-producing region, with daily yields of over 2,000 kilograms during harvest months.

        Read Also: Govt Empowering Agriculture in AJK- Livestock and Agriculture Departments Forge Strong Farmer Connections

        Farming in the area has traditionally centred around apple orchards, but over the last 15 years, strawberries have taken root as a valuable early-season crop. Supported by agricultural initiatives and local know-how, families here have turned the bright red fruit into a symbol of economic resilience.

        “Strawberries from Gaasu are larger, juicier, and sweeter than those from elsewhere in the valley,” says Ghulam Rasool, a veteran grower. “That’s why they fetch higher prices in the markets.”

        A Family Affair

        During the harvest season, men, women, and children work side by side, moving through strawberry fields with baskets in hand. The sight of rows of ripe strawberries and the buzz of morning harvests has become a daily rhythm in the village between May and June.

        While Tangmarg in north Kashmir and parts of south Kashmir also cultivate strawberries, farmers and vendors alike agree that Gaasu’s produce stands out in terms of quality and demand.

        “Gaasu strawberries are always the first to reach the market,” said a trader in Srinagar’s Fruit Mandi. “Buyers ask for them by name.”

        Numbers Tell the Story

        According to local estimates, Gaasu Khimber produces nearly 1,000 trays of strawberries per day, making it a major contributor to Kashmir’s horticultural economy in early summer. The crop is often sold fresh within hours of harvest — either directly in Srinagar or sent to nearby districts.

        The success of the strawberry industry has also sparked interest among younger farmers, some of whom are exploring packaging, cold storage, and branding opportunities for expansion.

        Agriculture and Identity

        While strawberries have added a new layer to Gaasu Khimber’s identity, the region remains known for its apple orchards, which sustain farmers through the autumn. Together, these crops form a vital source of income in an area where seasonal farming is a way of life.

        Local growers are now calling for better infrastructure, cold storage facilities, and access to markets, saying such support could help expand production and reduce post-harvest loss.

        “With government support, Gaasu can become the strawberry capital of Kashmir,” said one hopeful farmer.

        India Bans Sikh Pilgrims from Entering Pakistan on Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Death Anniversary, Escalating Religious Tensions

          The Azadi Times
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          India Bans Sikh Pilgrims from Entering Pakistan on Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Death Anniversary, Escalating Religious Tensions

          New Delhi – In a move that has further strained religious freedom and interfaith harmony, India has once again barred Sikh pilgrims from traveling to Pakistan to observe the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The decision has left nearly 500 Sikh devotees in limbo, casting uncertainty over their planned pilgrimage.

          According to security sources, India has imposed a complete ban on Sikh travelers entering Pakistan since May 7, 2025. The restrictions not only prevent pilgrims from attending Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s anniversary but also keep the Kartarpur Corridor closed—a move seen as a severe blow to Sikh religious sentiments.

          Deliberate Provocation Against Sikh Community?

          Sources reveal that the Modi government is deliberately inciting Sikh sentiments against Pakistan as part of a broader strategy. Reports indicate that during recent aggression, Indian forces targeted Sikh-dominated areas, attempted to destroy their places of worship, and even fired missiles near Amritsar to push an anti-Pakistan narrative.

          Additionally, India allegedly plotted a drone attack near Nankana Sahib, one of Sikhism’s holiest sites, intending to blame Pakistan. Such actions highlight New Delhi’s efforts to manipulate Sikh sentiments for political gains.

          Decades of Anti-Sikh Policies Under Modi

          Defense experts argue that India has exploited anti-Sikh sentiments for decades, and Modi’s divisive policies have made life increasingly difficult not only for Muslims but also for Sikhs. Under the 1950 agreement, India is obligated to allow Sikh pilgrims to visit Pakistan for four major religious events annually:

          1. Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji

          2. Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

          3. Baisakhi (Khalsa Panth Foundation Day)

          4. Death Anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

          However, India’s repeated violations of this agreement expose its disregard for religious freedoms.

          Growing Sikh-Pakistan Ties a Thorn for Modi

          Analysts suggest that the growing affinity between Pakistan and the Sikh community, along with anti-India sentiments among Sikhs, has become a major concern for the Modi administration. By blocking pilgrimages and escalating tensions, India is not only violating religious rights but also destabilizing regional peace.

          International Community Urged to Intervene

          Human rights organizations and Sikh groups worldwide are calling for international intervention to pressure India into upholding religious freedoms. The continued closure of the Kartarpur Corridor and restrictions on pilgrimages are seen as direct attacks on Sikh heritage and interfaith harmony.

          As tensions rise, the Sikh community remains caught in the crossfire of India’s political maneuvers, further alienating a minority that has long faced discrimination.

          Pakistani TikTok Star Sajal Malik Denies Involvement in Viral Video, Labels It ‘Complete Fake’

          The Azadi Times
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          Pakistani TikTok Star Sajal Malik Denies Involvement in Viral Video, Labels It ‘Complete Fake’

          ISLAMABAD: Pakistani TikTok influencer Sajal Malik has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding an explicit video circulating online that allegedly features her. In a statement released on May 13, 2025, Malik categorically denied any involvement, labeling the video as a “complete fake” and expressing that the ordeal has left her “mentally haunted” and “falsely accused” .

          The video began circulating on April 22, 2025, quickly going viral across various social media platforms. While some individuals have questioned the video’s legitimacy, others have criticized Malik, leading to a polarized online discourse.

          In response to the incident, Malik has filed a formal complaint with Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), seeking a thorough investigation into the source of the leak. She emphasized that the situation is not merely online trolling but amounts to character assassination.

          Malik, known for her engaging street interviews and social commentary on TikTok, where she has amassed over 176,000 followers, has faced a significant invasion of privacy due to this incident. Her silence prior to the statement had fueled speculation, but she has now made it clear that she is taking legal action to address the matter.

          Also Read Mexican Beauty Influencer Shot Dead During TikTok Livestream in Suspected Femicide

          This incident is part of a troubling trend involving Pakistani influencers facing similar breaches of privacy. Previous cases include Minahil Malik and Imsha Rehman, who also dealt with the circulation of alleged private videos. These events highlight the vulnerabilities faced by online personalities and the need for robust mechanisms to protect individuals from digital exploitation.

          As the investigation unfolds, Malik’s supporters have rallied behind her, demanding justice and calling out the culture of shaming women online. The incident underscores the importance of respecting privacy and the potential consequences of viral misinformation in the digital age.

          Kashmiri Leader Calls for Peaceful March to UN Office Amid Escalating Conflict in Region

          The Azadi Times
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          Kashmiri Leader Calls for Peaceful March to UN Office Amid Escalating Conflict in Region

          Kotli, Pakistan-administered Kashmir – As tensions continue to simmer along the Line of Control (LoC) following the recent military escalation between India and Pakistan, pro-independence Kashmiri leaders are urging a peaceful resolution to the long-standing Kashmir conflict. Sardar Aman Kashmiri, a prominent leader affiliated with the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), has called for a mass protest march towards the United Nations (UNO) office in Kotli on May 15, 2025, to draw international attention to what he described as the “worst humanitarian crisis” unfolding in the region.

          Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Sardar Aman condemned both India and Pakistan for perpetuating a violent status quo that continues to take a heavy toll on civilians across the divided territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

          “Kashmiris are being killed on both sides of the LoC, while government officials celebrate false victories,” he said. “We want peace, not war. The only viable solution is the complete withdrawal of Indian and Pakistani forces from Jammu and Kashmir. Without the participation of genuine Kashmiri leadership, any talks or negotiations are unacceptable to us.”

          The JKLF leader emphasized that Yasin Malik, the imprisoned Kashmiri leader, remains the only legitimate political figure who represents the will of the people. “Kashmiris do not accept any talks that exclude Yasin Malik or bypass their aspirations,” he added.

          In preparation for the May 15 demonstration, the JKLF held a detailed organizational meeting in Kotli on May 11, involving ideological and regional representatives to coordinate logistics and mobilize support.

          “The people of Jammu and Kashmir must prepare for this march with full strength,” read an official JKLF statement issued after the meeting. “We believe the root cause of the ongoing Indo-Pak conflict is the unresolved status of Jammu and Kashmir, and its resolution lies in politics, not in military confrontation.”

          This planned protest marks another chapter in the region’s decades-long struggle for self-determination. The JKLF, which advocates for an independent and united Kashmir, reiterated its stance that international bodies, including the United Nations, have a moral responsibility to intervene and facilitate a peaceful and just resolution.

          While the military standoff between India and Pakistan has momentarily eased following international diplomatic pressure, the human cost in Kashmir remains high. Local reports indicate dozens of civilian casualties, widespread destruction of property, and mass displacement in border areas over the past two weeks.

          The upcoming march in Kotli is expected to draw thousands of participants, signaling a growing frustration among Kashmiris who feel marginalized in political processes dominated by Islamabad and New Delhi.

          Sardar Aman concluded his statement with a call for international solidarity:

          “The world must realize that peace in South Asia is impossible without justice in Kashmir. Our march to the UN office is a cry for peace, dignity, and the right to decide our own future.”

          No Matter Who Wins the War, Kashmiris Always Lose

          The Azadi Times
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          No Matter Who Wins the War, Kashmiris Always Lose

          By Haris Qadeer: Following a recent militant attack on tourists in the scenic region of Pahalgam in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, the escalating tensions and near-war situation between India and Pakistan seem to have subsided—at least temporarily—after an intervention by the U.S. President. Both sides are now celebrating supposed military victories, with mainstream media fanning the flames of war hysteria. Much of the coverage focuses on military capabilities and strategic gains, while the real human cost is largely ignored, especially that borne by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

          The region that suffered the most during this flare-up, as always, is Jammu and Kashmir. While mainstream media fixates on developments across the international border, the people living along the Line of Control (LoC)—the 740-kilometer-long de facto border dividing Kashmir between India and Pakistan—endured four days of unimaginable terror and destruction. Defense analysts might label the recent escalation as a mere “skirmish” or “tension,” but for those living in these areas, it was nothing short of hell.

          According to official figures, between May 6 and the night of May 10, intense cross-border shelling across Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir killed 32 people, including 10 women and 5 children. Among the 126 injured were 40 women and 22 children. The shelling also destroyed 528 homes and 26 shops, killed 45 livestock, and forced 1,262 families to temporarily flee their homes.

          On the Indian-administered side, the government has yet to release official casualty numbers. However, unofficial figures suggest that at least 26 people were killed and dozens injured in four days of cross-border firing. Massive destruction has been reported in northern districts such as Poonch, Mendhar, Samba, Rajouri, Baramulla, Kupwara, and Uri. In Poonch city alone, heavy shelling forced 90% of the population to evacuate. Hundreds of homes and businesses were reduced to rubble.

          This isn’t the first time that war has been imposed on those living along the LoC. Since 1947, these areas have experienced such assaults as a recurring nightmare. India and Pakistan have fought three full-scale wars and one limited war, in addition to numerous military standoffs. And every time tensions rise, it is the people of Kashmir—living on both sides of the LoC—who suffer the most. While global powers occasionally intervene to deescalate tensions, offering fleeting periods of peace, these intervals are temporary and fragile.

          Kashmir has been kept as a festering wound by both India and Pakistan—used to justify the very partition of the subcontinent. Whenever questions are raised about the legitimacy of that partition, or whenever political pressure builds to address poverty, economic woes, or governance failures in either country, the Kashmir issue is deliberately inflamed to distract and divert. Often, election victories and political gains are secured at the cost of Kashmiri blood.

          The 20 million people of Jammu and Kashmir have never been allowed a voice on any forum. The conflict is at times presented as a bilateral issue, at other times as an international dispute, but in both cases, the actual people of Kashmir are excluded from the conversation. No one has ever asked what they truly want.

          In every war, it is Kashmiri blood that is shed. Even periods of so-called peace are built on Kashmiri suffering. In every confrontation, the ruling elites and military establishments of India and Pakistan claim victory, while defeat is the perpetual fate of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

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