Over 1.1 Lakh Evacuated from LoC Areas in Baramulla, Bandipora, and Kupwara
Srinagar, May 10 — A mass exodus is underway from villages located near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla, Bandipora, and Kupwara districts as relentless shelling by Pakistani forces has escalated since May 7. Nearly 1.1 lakh residents have been forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge in safer locations.The shelling follows India's recent missile strikes targeting terror infrastructure across the border. In retaliation, Pakistan has intensified attacks, specifically targeting civilian areas. The onslaught has resulted in the death of one woman and left 20 others injured. Numerous homes and public buildings have also been hit.
Residents Forced to Flee Lifelong Homes
"It is not easy to leave behind a place where you have spent all your life," said Irshad Ahmad Khwaja, a resident of a border village who has now relocated to Baramulla. "I would not leave my home if the threat to my life and that of my family was not so high."Mubeen Ahmad from Boniyar in the Uri area echoed similar sentiments. "We have seen cross-border shelling since the 1990s but it has never been this intense. Shells are now landing at places that were earlier considered safe," he said.
Residents have also raised concerns over the security of their abandoned homes. "Unscrupulous elements have always used a turmoil to carry out their nefarious designs. I hope that it does not happen during this calamity," Ahmad added.
Relief Measures and Temporary Shelters
Kupwara’s Karnah and Machhil sectors have seen the highest number of evacuations, followed by areas in Uri and Bandipora. Authorities have quickly mobilized to establish makeshift shelters and relief camps for the displaced.In Baramulla, several schools, including the Hanifa Model School in Sheeri, have been converted into temporary accommodation facilities. “Our staff worked round the clock to prepare the facilities. These families have lost so much. We want to ensure that they have a safe place to stay and access to basic necessities,” said school principal Rashida Maqbool.
Reyaz Ahmad Ganai, Nodal Officer for Relief and Rehabilitation, assured that all departments are working in coordination. "From electricity by PDD to medical camps by the health department, every stakeholder has contributed. The local community’s generosity has been overwhelming," he stated.
As tensions continue to mount along the LoC, the situation remains fluid, with further evacuations possible depending on the security scenario in the days to come.