Early Times Report
Jammu, May 6: One year has passed since the border town of Poonch, perched along the Line of Control (LoC), was jolted by one of the most devastating spells of cross-border shelling in recent memory. Yet, for its residents, time seems to have stood still—frozen in the terror of that fateful morning.
The fear has not faded. It lingers in anxious glances, in restless nights, and in the quiet pauses that follow any sudden sound. Poonch, long celebrated as a symbol of communal harmony and brotherhood, continues to carry the invisible wounds inflicted by the deadly artillery barrage.
In the early hours of May 7, 2025, as the town stirred awake to another ordinary day, the calm was shattered without warning. Heavy artillery shells rained down on civilian areas, turning homes, streets, and marketplaces into scenes of chaos and devastation. Within hours, 14 innocent lives were lost—among them four children whose futures were cut short in an instant.
Residents recall how children were getting ready for school, shopkeepers preparing to open their stores, and elderly citizens stepping out for morning walks when the first explosions ripped through the silence. What followed was sheer horror—deafening blasts, collapsing homes, and frantic cries for help.
Places of worship did not escape the destruction. A gurdwara, a temple, and a madrasa—symbols of the town’s shared faith and unity—were struck, deepening the sense of shock and anguish. Streets were littered with debris, homes reduced to rubble, and the air filled with dust, smoke, and grief.
Beyond the immediate loss of life, the psychological toll has been immense. Families who lost their loved ones continue to grapple with an irreplaceable void. For many others, the trauma has translated into a constant sense of insecurity. Sleep is fragile; even the faintest noise at night is enough to trigger panic.
Border tensions and intermittent reports of firing have only deepened the unease. Many residents admit they have contemplated leaving Poonch in search of safer ground. Yet, for most, poverty and livelihood constraints make relocation an impossible choice.
There are growing calls for stronger protective infrastructure, timely compensation, and comprehensive rehabilitation for those affected.
But the tragedy of Poonch cannot be measured in numbers alone.
It is reflected in the quiet dread that shadows everyday life, in the uncertainty that greets each new morning, and in the longing for peace that feels just out of reach. The pain of losing 14 lives has evolved into a deeper, more pervasive wound—one that touches every resident of the town.
And yet, amid the sorrow, there is resilience.
The people of Poonch continue to endure, holding on to hope even as they live under the constant shadow of fear. They seek to rebuild not just their homes, but their sense of safety and belonging. Their voices carry a simple plea—to be heard, to be protected, and to secure a future where their children can live without fear.
The morning of May 7, 2025 now stands etched as one of the darkest chapters in Poonch’s history. But it is also a testament to the unyielding spirit of its people—a community battered, but not broken; wounded, yet steadfast in its will to survive. |