Suhail Rather
Bandipora, May 7 (KNS): Hundreds of families in the Gurez valley of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district have begun leaving their homes following fresh ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), triggering panic and concern among border residents.
The exodus comes in the aftermath of Operation Sandoor, a major Indian Army operation that targeted nine terror locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The cross-border action reportedly led to the deaths of nine individuals and injuries to over 30.
While several families have relocated to safer areas, many continue to stay close to their homes, seeking refuge in community bunkers or remaining nearby to take shelter in case of further escalation.
Residents of remote areas like Tulail in northern Gurez, which lack adequate bunker facilities, are particularly vulnerable and have been forced to evacuate entirely.
“In the absence of bunkers and safety measures, hundreds are fleeing.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelWe have always been victims of these ceasefire violations,” said Abdul Ahad, a local resident. “Although the past four years were peaceful, the current situation is uncertain. We are relying on the authorities to make arrangements for those still in Gurez.”
Another resident, Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, voiced concern about the disruption to daily life during the peak agricultural season. “People are leaving behind their livelihoods and crops. We urge the administration to provide shelters and ensure safety for those who remain.”
Local officials, however, stated that the situation along the LoC in Gurez is “calm and under control.” They noted that families are moving into bunkers or relocating voluntarily based on their assessment of the threat.
The situation remains tense, with residents hoping for swift measures to ensure their safety and restore normalcy in the border region.(KNS)