By Aadil Abdullah
Bandipora, May 12 — In a welcome turn of events for the residents of north Kashmir’s Gurez Valley, the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) has been met with relief, gratitude, and renewed hope.
The border residents, long accustomed to the trauma of shelling and forced displacements, are now breathing easier with a fragile but vital sense of security returning to their lives.
Locals, who have endured repeated cycles of conflict, expressed appreciation for the decision taken by both countries. “We are very thankful to both governments for reaching this ceasefire agreement. In the past, we were always affected by shelling which created fear and panic among the residents. We were often forced to leave our homes and had nowhere to go,” said Ajaz Dar, a resident of Gurez.
He further added, “After the ceasefire, we feel much safer and more hopeful. Ceasefire violations, especially during winters, had become a recurring nightmare. Now, we pray that this peace lasts.”
Mukhtar Ahmad Lone, Ex-Block Development Council Chairman of Kanzalwan, recalled the terror that swept through the valley during the recent escalation. “Everyone witnessed the war-like situation—relentless shelling, missile strikes, and panic in every home. Hundreds of families fled, some took shelter in underground bunkers,” he said, referring to the fallout from Operation Sindoor, an Indian military operation that targeted terrorist bases across the LoC.
The operation had escalated tensions, triggering a sharp response from across the border and forcing many families in border villages like Tulail and Bagtore to abandon their homes.
Another resident, echoing the sentiment of many, said, “We had to spend days in underground bunkers. It’s not a life anyone would want to live. Now that there’s a ceasefire, we finally see some light. We want peace to prevail so that our children can grow up without fear.”
The optimism among residents was also echoed by political leaders. MLA Bandipora and senior leader Nizamuddin Bhat took to the social media platform X to express satisfaction over the ceasefire. “Thank Almighty. Except for dislocations in some border villages in Gurez, war days here in Bandipore passed without casualties or damages. Those displaced will be back home with desire for sustainable peace,” he wrote.
As displaced families slowly begin returning to their villages, there is a collective hope that this ceasefire will not just be a temporary truce but a step toward a lasting peace.
For the people of Gurez, who have seen their lives upended time and again by conflict, the message is simple and clear: “We don’t want to suffer anymore. We just want to live peacefully in our homes.”
