Intense cross-border shelling gives sleepless nights to Kupwara’s border areas residents

Kupwara, May 08: The residents of north Kashmir’s border areas, including Machil, Nowgam, Tangdhar and Keran town in the Kupwara district, are living in a state of fear and uncertainty due to continuous cross-border shelling from the Pakistan side.
The unrelenting mortar fire has not only damaged homes but also disrupted lives, leaving locals sleep-deprived and traumatised.
“We are living like hell,” said Sabir Ahmad, a resident of Tangdhar. “Whenever we see these mortar shells hitting our area, we feel like it could be our last day. Many families have already moved to safer places.”
The shelling, which locals describe as “extensive and intense”, has shattered the peace of this otherwise quiet area. Broken window panes, cracked walls, and shell-damaged rooftops bear testimony to the ordeal faced by the residents.
“It felt like the end of the world,” said another local resident, recalling a recent night of heavy shelling. “Our children cry in fear, and we can’t even reach the community bunkers at times due to the intensity of the firing.”
Many of these areas have community bunkers built for emergencies, but locals complain they often don’t get the time to reach them. “We want to live in peace,” said a resident from Tangdhar. “But nothing is in our control. We urge both countries to stop this shelling for the sake of our lives and children.”
SSP Kupwara, Gh Jeelani Wani, along with other senior police officials, visited the affected areas to listen to the grievances of the people. Authorities have assured that steps are being taken to ensure the safety of the civilians.
An official from the local administration said arrangements are being made for temporary shelter and relief for displaced families. However, residents continue to live in fear, unsure of when the next round of shelling might begin.
As tensions remain high along the LoC, the people of north Kashmir’s border belts are left hoping for a resolution that can bring back peace to their homes and lives.