Poonch, May 01: The recent terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam has sparked a wave of anger and grief across the country. In the remote border area of Saujiyan, located in the Mandi tehsil in Poonch district, residents have reacted with strong condemnation, calling the assault on innocent civilians a heinous and cowardly act against humanity.
Talking to Rising Kashmir, locals expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and asserted that such attacks, regardless of the victims’ religion or background, strike at the very core of human values.
“Targeting unarmed civilians is an attack on humanity itself. This is unacceptable in any civilized society,” said Gulbar Ahmad, an elder in the village.
Other residents, including Shafiq Ahmad Dar and Mushtaq Ahmad, recalled the long-standing hardships faced by the people of Saujiyan, who have endured repeated cross-border shelling and provocations from Pakistan. Despite these challenges, they said the village has always stood firm in its loyalty to the Indian Army and the nation.
Locals declared that if the country were ever to face a war-like situation, they would not hesitate to defend the motherland.
Shafiq Ahmad Dar said their ancestors stood by the Army during past conflicts, and they are ready to do the same. If needed, we will fight shoulder to shoulder with our soldiers. We are not afraid to sacrifice our lives to protect our land and people, he said.
Dar said that in times of peace and conflict alike, Saujiyan’s people continue to stand as a resolute pillar of strength for the nation.
