Khour-Pargwal Sector Residents Appeal for Rehabilitation After Devastating Cross-Border Attacks
Khour (Akhnoor), May 17 – Following intense artillery shelling across the Line of Control (LoC), residents of border villages in the Khour-Pargwal sector of Jammu district are grappling with the destruction of their homes, the loss of livestock, and shattered livelihoods. The shelling came in the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians dead.The recent wave of violence, including drone strikes, has claimed 27 lives and injured more than 70 in Jammu. Thousands of families have been displaced, with many now living in government-run relief camps far from their ravaged homes.
“We Are Homeless Now,” Say Border Residents
Kamla Devi, a local resident, returned to her village only to find her home in ruins and livestock dead. In an emotional plea, she said, “Where would we live now? We were dependent on these animals. Now they are dead and our house is destroyed.”She described how, despite a ceasefire announced on May 10, heavy shelling resumed the same night. “Two shells hit our home. Three of our bovines were killed. We narrowly escaped.”
Kamla is one of many villagers demanding immediate shelter and long-term government support. “Please give us a place to live. We are homeless,” she said, echoing the despair of her community.
Calls for War as Anger Builds Over Ceasefire Failures
Former panchayat member Joginder Lal, joined by other villagers, expressed growing frustration with repeated ceasefire violations and called for decisive military action. “What is the point of a ceasefire when Pakistan does not honour it? We want war to teach Pakistan a lesson.”Villager Deepak Kumar, whose home was also damaged in the shelling, described the situation as a war-like assault. “If they carry out terror attacks again, we must give a befitting reply. This tit-for-tat policy only brings more suffering to us. The only solution is war with Pakistan,” he said.
“We’ve Been Running Since 1947”
The scars of the conflict are visible across the affected villages—damaged homes, shattered windows, bloodstained walls, and dead livestock tell a grim story. Lal called for finality to the decades-long strife, stating, “We’ve been running since 1947, then again in 1965, 1971, and 1999. How long will we continue to suffer? Only war will bring us peace.”Despite villagers' slow return to their homes near the International Border, schools remain shut, and farming has not resumed, leaving communities in limbo.
Government Promises Relief, Congress Seeks Relocation Aid
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo visited Akhnoor and Khour to assess the damage and inspect affected homes and public infrastructure. He instructed local authorities to expedite relief and rehabilitation measures.Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee working president Tara Chand demanded that the government provide land and financial aid. “We demand 10 marla plots and Rs 5 lakh for each family living along the border so they can relocate to safer areas,” he said, highlighting the extent of damage in over 80 villages in the Pargwal-Khour-Garkhal-Chhamb belt.
Deputy Commissioner of Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, assured affected residents of full government support. “The government will ensure all necessary support and measures for the affected people,” he said.
As border residents rebuild their lives amid uncertainty, the demand for security and stability grows louder, reflecting years of unresolved conflict on India’s frontier.
