by Syed Shadab Ali Gillani
SRINAGAR: May 7 will be remembered as the day dread returned to the borders in Kashmir and Jammu. For the people of Uri, Poonch, Tangdhar, and other areas along the Line of Control, it marked the beginning of a harrowing ordeal as India and Pakistan found themselves locked in a confrontation more intense than anything seen in recent years.
Homes-Damaged-in-Cross-Border-Shelling-Along-LoC-in-Uri
Shells, missiles, drones, and gunfire were exchanged in relentless volleys over the next three days. The violence claimed the lives of more than twenty people across Jammu and Kashmir, including children, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
“The scenes were horrifying,” recalled a resident of Uri who works in Baramulla. On the morning of May 7, when news broke of cross-border strikes, he rushed back home. Along the way, he witnessed families on the move, eyes wide with panic, belongings hastily packed, an entire population on the run.
It was during this chaotic journey that he received a message that brought tears to his eyes.
“In case there is any issue, my home is open for you. Please come with your family. My heart is open,” the text read. It came from Noor Ul Haq, a Baramulla resident and a mere acquaintance. “I am grateful such people exist,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion.
Noor was not alone in his gesture. Across Kashmir and Jammu, hearts and homes opened in an extraordinary display of compassion. Social media lit up with messages offering refuge and reassurance.
One such post read: “More than 15 families have already found shelter with us due to the ongoing Uri situation. We still have space available, and free food is being provided for all. Anyone in need is welcome, our doors are open.”
In Baramulla, the well-known Darul Uloom Sheeri, an Islamic seminary, took in more than 200 displaced residents from Uri. Over the past five days, it has provided them with food, shelter, and essential support.
Jammu too echoed with acts of solidarity. Ahmad, a resident of Poonch, said he and his family found refuge in the home of friends in Jammu. “Many families moved here, some to stay with friends, others welcomed by strangers. People just opened their doors,” he said.
Support extended beyond shelter. Associations and local organisations stepped in with medical aid and relief.
“In response to the crisis, we launched a medical and relief camp under the Baramulla Chemistry Association,” said Mir Ghulam Nabi, the association’s president. “We are providing free medicines, food, transportation, and even financial help. It is our way of standing by the people of Uri, Tangdhar and Karnah.”
The camp began operations the very day the shelling started and has continued to serve those affected ever since.
“We only hope,” said Nabi, “that no one has to go through what the people of our border areas are enduring right now.”
