Baramulla, May 13: Following the ceasefire, the border villages of Uri sector in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district came alive on Tuesday as displaced residents of six villages returned home. On Tuesday, as the displaced residents arrived at their home, the Uri town witnessed a huge rush in the main market.
Markets in Uri town were abuzz with people purchasing essential supplies, preparing for the journey back to their native villages.
“We are indeed delighted—after all, home is home,” said Syed Sadakat Hussain, a resident of Kamalkote, one of the six villages cleared for return. This is the first time since the ceasefire was violated by the Pakistan army that shops in Uri reopened, filling the streets with a long-missed sense of routine.
“It seems like the beginning of normalcy today. Shops are open and people have started to feel secure,” said Riyaz Ahmad, a local shopkeeper. The residents’ return followed clearance by bomb disposal squads, which successfully neutralized seven of the 20 unexploded ordnances (UXOs) scattered across the frontline villages. Authorities have, however, urged returnees to remain cautious, as undetected explosives may still pose danger.
While joy and delight were evident, the returning families were also met with scenes of devastation. Many homes had been damaged or destroyed during the intense shelling that erupted from across the border after India launched “Operation Sindoor”, targeting nine terror sites across the border and in the Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
The intense shelling claimed the life of one woman and injured 19 others.
Imtiyaz Ahmad, a resident of one of the cleared villages, voiced the growing concern among returnees. “We have suffered immensely. Although we have arrived back home, what will we do in these damaged houses?” He urged the government to provide immediate financial assistance. “Those whose homes are damaged partially or completely need urgent help to rebuild.”
The affected residents have appealed to authorities for swift rehabilitation action, stressing the urgency of repairing damaged structures before the onset of harsh weather conditions.
“If authorities will not soon start a financial package for the affected families then it will be a huge disappointment for the displaced residents. At least there should be some shelter houses where people can stay till the damaged houses are rebuild,” said Nazir Ahmad.
