S Tahir-ul Haq
Early Times Report
Kupwara, Oct 1: The rumourmongers have created fear psychosis among the residents of border districts of north Kashmir, as people fear that there may be a retaliation to India's surgical strikes on Pakistan from the other side of LoC.
According to sources, the people living in border areas are in a dilemma over whether they should shift to safer places or stay put in their homes.
Villages close to the LoC in Kupwara and Baramulla districts could bear the brunt if Pakistan indulges in shelling as it did during the '90s, causing heavy damage to property and lives, said sources.
They said there are various villages in Karnah including Gomal, Panjtaran, Hindwal, Jabri, Tarban Seemari, Peir Panjoah, Tangdar, Tad and Teetwal where the people are living in mud houses (Kothas) and have dug underground bunkers for their safety.
In 2000, there was a heavy shelling from across the border and people were compelled by government to shift to the safer places. As of now the people have been asked to remain alert and inform the suspicious movement of unidentified persons to security agencies, said sources.
Prof Jahangir Danish of Karnah told Early Times, "There is nothing to worry about at the moment but people are scared because of rumours that Pakistan could retaliate any time. We pray nothing happens."
Karnah tehsil has a population of 70,000 and many people have dug up underground bunkers for their safety as they had done in the past, Danish said, adding that many people have shifted their families to government buildings. Meanwhile, Early Times has learnt that the district administration of Kupwara has kept everything ready for these border areas in wake of any untoward incidents like retaliation or cease fire violation from Pakistan.
"With each passing day the authorities are closely monitoring the situation and there is nothing to worry. The rumour mongers will be dealt with strictly," sources added. |
