No cross-border firing incident has been reported since February last year

With the new dispensation taking over the reins of Pakistan, locals in villages along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir are concerned if the yearlong peace between the two countries will continue.

No incident of ceasefire violation has been reported along the border since India and Pakistan agreed upon a truce in February 2021. Villages on both sides of the had suffered due to constant ceasefire violations for years. The ceasefire agreement was signed between both nations in 2003, but it was violated several times.

While locals, especially farmers, are satisfied that they have been able to work in their fields without any fear of bullets or mortar shells for over a year now, they fear that the change of guard in the neighbouring country may result in return of ceasefire violations.

Shehbaz Sharif, who replaced Imran Khan as the Pakistan Prime Minister, had stated in his inaugural speech that he desires good ties with India but not before the resolution of the “Kashmir issue”.

People in Nowshera along the LoC, which has witnessed several ceasefire violations, are now skeptical. “We do not know what will happen but if peace between both the countries shatters, it will be us who will suffer the most,” said Sat Paul, sarpanch of Handan village.

He said with peace prevailing for more than a year now, farmers have been able to take care of their fields without any fear.

Ramesh Chaudhary, sarpanch of Deeing village along the LoC in Seri of Rajouri, said his village had bore the brunt of cross-border firing in the past. “Locals in the village are continuously discussing these days about the change of government in Pakistan. We cannot trust the neighboring country as they can open firing anytime and anywhere,” said Chaudhary.

Schools and agriculture used to be affected at the time of ceasefire violations. All schools close to borders used to shut down at the time of firing, which would sometime continue for days and sometimes even weeks.

Shamsher Singh, sarpanch of Jabowal village in Arnia which is one of the most affected sectors along the IB in Jammu, said the area was known for its basmati rice, but farmers used to be scared of firing from Pakistan side.

As the sector lies in the plain area, Pakistan Rangers have a clear view of villages on this side. “Our children would also suffer as they could not be able to go to schools during firing. It has been a year since calm has prevailed in border villages, but now people want to get assurance that it will continue in future as well,” said Singh.

Courtesy: The Tribune India: 12th April , 2022