Jammu (J&K): While normalcy has gradually returned to Reasi in Jammu and Kashmir following the India-Pakistan understanding on cessation of hostilities, anxiety persists in border villages like Samba, where residents remain fearful after a night of drone shelling and explosions.
Morning visuals from Reasi showed students in school uniforms making their way back to classrooms—a symbol of resilience and the return to everyday life. However, just over 100 kilometers away, residents in Samba district are still shaken by what they experienced on Monday night.
Shelling in Samba Rekindles Border Fears
Residents reported explosions and damage to property after what they suspect was shelling or drone-fired munitions from across the border.
“We were clueless last night, but we heard noises and later saw splinters had damaged our house. There was panic and confusion,” said Dalbeer Singh, a resident of the affected home in Samba. “There is an environment of fear in the entire village.”
The roof and kitchen of the house were visibly damaged. Singh’s statement was echoed by Krishan Chand, another local:
“We were sitting outside when we heard the blast. We ran inside. The next morning we saw remains of the explosive in the kitchen and on the roof. The women were cooking when it happened.”
Parents Calming Children as Drones Crossed Border
In a neighboring village, Prakar Singh said he was trying to calm his frightened children when red streaks from India’s air defence systems lit up the sky, intercepting drones.
“Pakistan is not willing to agree, even after the ceasefire understanding. These drone attacks keep us on edge,” Singh added.
Army Assures Public: “No Need to Be Alarmed”
According to Army sources, a small number of drones from Pakistan entered the Samba sector and were actively engaged by Indian air defence systems.
“The number of drones was very small, and there is nothing to be alarmed. Our response systems are robust,” said an official on condition of anonymity.
Operation Sindoor and Ceasefire Context
These developments come shortly after Operation Sindoor, a military retaliation by India in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack. While a ceasefire understanding was reached between DGMOs of India and Pakistan, the latest border activity underscores the fragility of peace in such regions.
Conclusion: A Region in Transition
- Reasi celebrates signs of peace with children returning to school.
- Samba lives under the looming threat of renewed aggression, despite official reassurances.
The situation reflects the dual reality of border life in Jammu and Kashmir—resilience on one side, fear on the other.