As India hardens its stance on cross-border terrorism after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, border villages in Rajasthan are preparing for any eventuality, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Indian Army in both spirit and readiness.
Residents in some of the last Indian villages near the Indo-Pak international border in Rajasthan have expressed their resolve and readiness to support the armed forces amidst escalating tensions.
Local villager Arjun Singh, speaking to media, said,
“It is absolutely necessary to respond to Pakistan. What they did in Pahalgam — killing unarmed civilians — is unacceptable. The army must strike back.”
He recalled witnessing the 1971 war and the role played by civilians.
“Back then, we helped the army in every way possible. Today also, we are ready to assist, no matter the hardship.”
Preparedness is visible across the region. Bunkers have been built to shelter civilians and troops in case of military escalation. However, villagers have voiced concern about their livestock, fearing the animals could suffer in the event of evacuation.
“If war breaks out, we can leave, but our animals might die in this scorching heat,” a resident said.
Despite the threat of war, the villagers remain unwavering in their patriotism.
“No matter the cost, the nation comes first. Pakistan won’t stop its mischief until it gets a strong answer,” another local affirmed.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has been mobilizing military assets across the border. The Pakistan Air Force is conducting three concurrent exercises — Fiza-e-Badr, Lalkar-e-Momin, and Zarb-e-Haidari — involving major fighter fleets like the F-16, J-10, and JF-17.
On Tuesday, the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan communicated via hotline. Defence sources say India warned Pakistan against continuing unprovoked ceasefire violations along the LoC and International Border. The Indian Army responded swiftly to such incidents, including small arms fire on April 27–28 opposite Kupwara and Poonch.
Tensions have been mounting since the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians lost their lives. India’s military and diplomatic responses have since intensified, backed strongly by the civilian population in the country’s border zones.