Respite, unease as villagers count losses

Locals in border areas, who have been grappling with damaged property and missile debris, hailed the ceasefire on Saturday, only to be disappointed by ceasefire violations hours later

- Vishal Rambani, Mukesh Mathrani and Maulik Pathak

Residents of regions along the India-Pakistan border heaved a sigh of relief on Saturday evening when both nations announced a “full and immediate ceasefire” after days of intense cross-border firing and strikes. Hours later, however, anxiety returned with fresh ceasefire violations in several border areas in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Gujarat.

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri announced the ceasefire around 6pm, minutes after US President Donald Trump made the surprise declaration on social media. But he returned at a hurriedly called and brief press briefing at 11pm to confirm that Pakistan repeatedly violated the ceasefire in the evening and that the armed forces had given an adequate and appropriate response. There were unconfirmed reports of drone sightings in several border provinces, including Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

Following the ceasefire agreement's announcement, residents in border areas celebrated the development.

For Dharam Singh, a vendor outside Attari International Customs Post (ICP), the ceasefire meant resumption of business. “Today, there is a kind of festivity in our house”, he said.

In the border villages of Hussainwala sector in Ferozepur district of Punjab, there was sense of relief. “At last good news has arrived for them,” said Gurnam Singh, the sarpanch of Tendiwala village. “We hope to resume work in fields. We know we have to be cautious.”

Naresh Kumar, a shopkeeper in Pokhran area of Rajasthan, said he and his family were praying for normalcy to return. “I have elderly parents and small children who were very anxious. Ceasefire is a big relief as I can return to my work from tomorrow,” he said.

However, the celebrations were short-lived as drone sightings were reported in several areas along the Line of Control (LoC).