Jammu: Life in Akhnoor, a border town in Jammu district, is gradually returning to normal as India and Pakistan have reached an understanding for cessation of hostilities, effectively halting further escalation following Operation Sindoor.
Residents who had taken shelter in camps due to cross-border tensions are beginning to resume their daily routines. Bhupendra Singh, a local resident, confirmed, “The situation in Akhnoor remains normal after the ceasefire was announced. Shops are opening, and people are returning to their work.”
Army Conducts Free Medical Camp
As part of a humanitarian initiative, the Indian Army organised a free medical camp in Narayana village, located near the border in the Akhnoor sector. The effort aimed to provide healthcare services to border residents, many of whom were displaced or affected by recent hostilities.
The camp witnessed participation from children, women, and elderly citizens, receiving medical checkups and free medicines distributed by Army medical staff. Food and educational facilities were also arranged at various relief camps.
Local Voices: Call for Permanent Safety Measures
Despite the return of calm, many residents voiced concerns over the recurring pattern of displacement. Praveen Sharma, a resident, highlighted the long-standing issues:
“Every five to seven years, we are forced to flee our homes due to shelling. This time, shells landed over 15 km inside, a new and alarming development.”
He praised the local administration and SDM for their swift evacuation efforts and the Transport Minister for arranging relocation vehicles. However, Sharma emphasized the need for permanent bunkers and the expansion of relocation plots, as not all residents have been granted safer housing.
Security Concerns Persist in Kashmir
While border tensions have de-escalated, security challenges continue in the Kashmir Valley. On Thursday morning, an encounter broke out between police and terrorists in Nader, Tral area of Awantipora.
The Kashmir Police confirmed the development on their official ‘X’ handle:
“Encounter has started at Nader, Tral area of Awantipora. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow.”
As Operation Sindoor’s military phase winds down, attention now shifts to post-conflict rehabilitation and long-term safety solutions for those living along the India-Pakistan border. The return of peace in Akhnoor offers hope, but residents continue to seek sustainable measures that ensure security without recurring displacement.