• Saythey will continue vote for peace
• Seek resumption of cross border trade
• Home stays along border areas boosted local economy
Srinagar, Mar 24: After years of enduring the brunt of cross-border tensions, residents of the Uri sector along the Line of Control (LoC) are fervently advocating for an extension of the 2021 ceasefire agreement, asserting that peace has returned to the region.
As the LokSabha elections approach, residents anticipate that the next government will prioritize peace and development, continuing initiatives that have improved their lives since the 2021 ceasefire agreement.
In a series of interviews conducted by Rising Kashmir, locals expressed their hopes for continued tranquillity and development in their border communities.
Prior to the ceasefire agreement of 2021, residents grappled with persistent disturbances, leading to the abandonment of homes and widespread fear among the populace. However, the ceasefire has heralded a new era of stability, prompting residents to appeal to the government for the construction of individual bunkers to ensure their safety and security.
Lal Din Khatana, a former Sarpanch from Chrunda village, emphasized the paramount importance of peace for the well-being of residents. He urged the government to prioritize the continuation of the ceasefire and to ensure strict adherence to its terms to prevent any violations.
“Before 2021, ceasefire violations would disturb and damage the public property which would cause anxiety and fear among the local residents. That time there was always uncertainty in the area. No one was safe,” he said.
Muneer Ahmadfrom SaraiBandi village, who tragically lost family members to cross-border shelling, expressed gratitude for the ceasefire and underscored the need for sustained peace to foster development initiatives.
Junaid Ahmadfrom the Machil sector highlighted the transformation in livelihood opportunities, with families now offering homestays instead of seeking refuge in bunkers during times of conflict.
Khatana also said that many families had fled from nearby villages due to fear of cross border shelling, which would always affect normal life. “Now we demand that the government of India should prioritise peace in the region, which will help boost development.”
He said the residents of the border have voted for peace and development and will continue to choose the representatives who work on the promises.
Another villager Muneer Ahmad of SaraiBandi village who has lost two brothers in cross border shelling during the 5 years, taking a toll on their lives. Peace is important and we are thankful to the central government for the ceasefire deal.
“In every election we take active part in the electoral process and vote for the contesting candidates. Now we expect that the next government should chart out a larger plan of development for the larger interest of the public,” Muneer said.
He said before 2021, many schemes would not reach us due to the prevailing situation but now things are better. There is peace and progress everywhere.
Muneer says that after 2021, people did their marriages happily without any fear, children attended schools without any problem and farmers cultivated their lands without any mine explosions. There was a huge difference between the time before 2021 and after that, he added.
In the last two years, Kupwara has become a favorite place for different kinds of tourists in Kashmir. More than 400,000 people have visited its areas near the borders like Keran, Machil, Karnah, Bangus, Drangyari, Lolab, Nowgam, Rangwar, and some other spots.
Mehraj Khanfrom the Keran sector emphasized the positive impact of tourism on the local economy, attributing it to the prevailing peace in the region.
Rashid Khanfrom Gurez acknowledged the economic growth spurred by tourism and emphasized the importance of participating in the upcoming elections to uphold democratic values.
The influx of tourists and government initiatives has revitalized the economy, providing job opportunities and increasing revenue in border areas. Residents express optimism for further development and urge the government to focus on employment policies.
While acknowledging progress in outreach programs and welfare schemes, residents call for more community bunkers and the resumption of trade between India and Pakistan for enhanced economic opportunities.
