First Peaceful Night After Days of Cross-Border Hostilities
New Delhi, May 12 — After nearly a week of heightened military tension, calm has returned to India's border regions as both New Delhi and Islamabad agreed to a ceasefire, bringing much-needed respite to residents and security forces alike.The ceasefire, which came into effect on Saturday following four intense days of drone and missile attacks, has allowed border villagers to cautiously return to their homes. For the first time in days, there were no reports of shelling, drone sightings, or emergency alerts across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
Villagers Return Home, Authorities Urge Vigilance
In Jammu and Kashmir, one of the worst-hit regions, villagers who had fled their homes amid Pakistani shelling began returning after bomb disposal teams cleared the areas of unexploded ordnance.“We are happy that a ceasefire has been reached between the two countries. We are also hopeful that Pakistan will not resort to such activities again,” said Arshad Ahmad, a resident of Kamalkote in Uri.
Uri MLA Sajjad Shafi urged returning residents to remain cautious and report any suspicious objects. “They should immediately report any suspicious objects to the authorities for proper disposal,” he said.
Officials had earlier advised residents not to rush back until their areas were fully cleared and sanitized, highlighting the ongoing danger from unexploded shells.
Punjab Markets Reopen, But Schools Remain Closed
In Punjab, which shares a 553-km border with Pakistan, life began returning to normal in many areas. Markets in border towns were bustling again, though schools remained closed in Ferozepur, Fazilka, Pathankot, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur districts. Colleges and universities in Pathankot and Gurdaspur were also shut as a precaution.Pathankot, which was targeted with multiple drone attacks last week, saw its residents express both relief and pride.
“India has taught a lesson to Pakistan and sent a strong message. Now Pakistan will think twice before casting an evil eye on our country,” said a grocery shop owner in Pathankot.
In Ferozepur, villagers were seen returning home. Daler Singh from Jallo Ke village shared, “Most residents had left everything behind. Now they are coming back but staying alert. Life is getting back to normal, and we are returning to our fields.”
Another local resident added, “The situation is normal now. We hope the ceasefire holds and peace prevails.”
Rajasthan Observes Blackout Amid Drone Alert
In Rajasthan, a complete blackout was observed in border districts on Sunday night. Authorities in Barmer issued a warning following sightings of suspected drone lights. “Incoming drone activity spotted. Please stay inside your houses and observe blackout,” read a message from the district administration on X.No drones were brought down, but by Monday morning, normalcy began returning to towns like Jaisalmer.
“Things appear to be back to normal now. Last night was peaceful,” said local resident Jalam Singh.
Army Confirms Peaceful Night
In a statement released Monday morning, the Indian Army confirmed that the night was calm across Jammu and Kashmir and other border regions.“No incidents have been reported, marking the first calm night in recent days,” the statement said, offering a glimmer of hope for continued peace.
As tensions ease, the focus now shifts to ensuring the safety of returning civilians and maintaining the fragile calm along the border.
