NEELUM VALLEY, Pakistan – The optimistic anticipation surrounding an India-Pakistan ceasefire in the Kashmir region quickly diminished. Thousands departed from the Indian-administered section of the contested area last week following severe shelling and drone offensives from Pakistan. Despite a ceasefire being declared on Saturday, few families dared to return home by Sunday.
“We will only return when complete peace is restored,” stated Basharat Ahmed, a resident of Poonch district. “It doesn’t take much for the two countries to resume hostilities at the border.” The ceasefire’s goal was to put an end to the aggression between the nuclear-armed adversaries and alleviate their worst military tension in decades. However, shortly after, both nations accused each other of breaching the agreement.
According to Indian authorities, Pakistani shelling since Wednesday resulted in the deaths of at least 23 individuals and left numerous others injured. The shelling also damaged or demolished hundreds of homes. A family in the Indian-controlled region of Kashmir sought refuge in a government college in the Baramulla area. As they tried to return home early Sunday, soldiers detained them at a checkpoint, preventing their progress towards the Uri sector near the heavily fortified Line of Control that separates the Kashmir region between India and Pakistan.
“Our jubilation about the ceasefire evaporated,” expressed Bashir Ahmed. He and his family were compelled to return to the shelter at the college. Indian and Pakistani troops vigilantly watch over their respective sides of the frontier, with observation towers positioned every few hundred meters. At certain positions, Indian and Pakistani soldiers are close enough to exchange waves.
Last month, relations between India and Pakistan hit a new low due to a fatal attack on tourists in Kashmir. India accused Pakistan of supporting the massacre, where 26 individuals, primarily Indian Hindus, died—a claim that Pakistan rejects. Following the incident, both nations expelled each other’s envoys, nationals, and shut their borders and airspace. Subsequently, there were missile strikes, drone attacks, and intense artillery exchanges.
On Sunday, India asserted that its missile operations into Pakistani territory last week resulted in the deaths of approximately 100 militants, among them notable leaders. On both sides of the border, the populace bears the consequences.
Across the boundary dividing Kashmir, residents feared the destruction of their villages by Indian assaults. They began returning following the ceasefire announcement, only to find their homes and businesses either destroyed, unlivable, or unsafe, with personal belongings lost. Many remain uncertain about the ceasefire’s durability and question what assistance they will receive to rebuild their lives.
Abdul Shakoor, a resident of Chinari in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, fled for his life on Wednesday. He and his family journeyed through fields for nearly 10 kilometers (6 miles) to seek shelter at a relative’s home. “Many in other cities who favor war fail to grasp who suffers the most when conflict arises or when two militaries exchange fire,” Shakoor remarked. “It’s those residing near the border who pay the highest price.”
Although the ceasefire has provided substantial relief, he urged both countries to engage in dialogue. “Ultimately, even post-conflict, it always leads back to discussion.” Amid the verdant expanse of the Neelum Valley reside heaps of dust and debris. The picturesque area, leaning close to the Line of Control, becomes vulnerable when tensions escalate or during cross-border skirmishes. The valley traces along the Neelum River, with visible border posts of both India and Pakistan at certain points.
On the previous Friday night, as warning sirens blared, Fatima Bibi urgently relocated with her family into a bunker. “That night was terrifying,” Bibi recounted. “Both sides engaged in exchanging fire across posts. Continuous explosions echoed, and a thunderous blast occurred as shells began landing in our village.” A smaller shell found its way into her home’s courtyard, shattering windows and damaging walls.
She expressed gratitude for the ceasefire. “Considering the escalating tension, many lives could have been lost if a war erupted.”