Normalcy returns

India and Pakistan arrived at the agreement to halt military actions after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Life in the villages situated along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab is returning to normal, with villagers coming back to their homes that they had left behind for safer places following tensions between India and Pakistan.

After the two neighbouring countries arrived at an agreement May 10 to halt military actions, the residents of the border villages in Ferozepur district started coming back.

Malkeet Singh of Jallo Ke village in Ferozepur, situated at a stone's throw from the International Border, said, "People are coming back and it feels like life is returning to normal, step by step."

Reflecting on the tense days of the conflict, he said, "The first few days were terrifying. We heard strange sounds at night and the fear of the unknown kept us all awake. But slowly, things are beginning to settle down."

Several residents of the border villages, including Gatti Rajoke, Tendiwala, Kalluwala, Nayi Gatti Rajoke, Jallo and Rahime Ke Gatti, had left for safer places when the tensions between the two countries escalated.

Tara Singh (40) from Nayi Gatti Rajoke talked about the painful reality of leaving everything behind. "After the tensions soared, most of the people left. It was not easy. Some spent thousands of rupees to bring their belongings to safety," he said.