 Early Times Report
Jammu, May 15: The heartrending story of 12-year-old twins, Aruba Khan and Ayan Khan, from Kalaani village in Poonch, has left an indelible mark on the nation. Born together, the inseparable siblings tragically lost their lives together on May 7, 2025, in a devastating Pakistani shelling attack, becoming a poignant symbol of the toll of border violence.
Aruba and Ayan’s parents, Rameez Khan and Arusa Khan, had moved their family from the border village of Kalaani to Poonch city, hoping to provide their children with better education and opportunities. Enrolled at Christ School, the twins were known for their bright smiles and deep bond, inspiring their teachers and peers. Their dreams of a brighter future were taking flight until a cruel twist of fate intervened.
On the night of May 7, 2025, heavy shelling by the Pakistani army, in retaliation to India’s “Operation Sindoor,” targeted civilian areas in Poonch, plunging the city into chaos. Fearing for their safety, the Khan family planned to return to Kalaani. However, before they could escape, a shell exploded outside their rented home, claiming the lives of Aruba and Ayan. The twins, who shared every moment of their lives, remained together even in their final breath. Their parents, gravely injured in the blast, are now fighting for survival in a hospital.
The attack left Poonch reeling, with 16 civilians killed and dozens injured. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned the shelling as “Pakistan’s barbarism,” alleging it deliberately targeted civilians, including the Sikh community. The devastation reduced homes to rubble and shattered countless lives.
In Kalaani and Poonch, grief hangs heavy. Local resident Ronik, a friend of Rameez, shared, “Rameez lost his children, Ayan and Aruba, to this senseless attack. He’s battling for his life now.” The twins’ unfulfilled dreams and infectious innocence echo through the streets, a stark reminder of the cost of conflict.
This tragedy raises a haunting question: How long must innocent lives bear the brunt of border violence? As the nation mourns Aruba and Ayan, it stands in solidarity with their family, praying for the departed souls and an end to such senseless loss. |
