Under the shadow of relentless shelling from Pakistan, the district of Rajouri in Jammu & Kashmir stands firm, refusing to yield to fear and disruption. The surge in cross-border firing, particularly intensified following India's "Operation Sindoor," has profoundly impacted daily life, turning homes into bunkers and disrupting the education of children.

The ordeal begins in the dead of night. In villages like Irwin Khetar, the first shells trigger a desperate scramble for safety as walls crack and doors cave in. Survivors recount nights filled with deafening explosions and chaos. Balbir Kumar Sharma, a resident, witnessed his maternal uncle's house take a direct hit, injuring three family members and forcing them to seek shelter elsewhere. The indiscriminate shelling extends beyond Poonch to areas like Uri, Karnah and Tangdhar sectors.

The safety of homes can no longer be taken for granted in Rajouri and neighboring villages like Mukabarkapura and Patrada Panchgrahi. Residents live in constant apprehension, with emergency bags packed and windows sealed shut. Families often confine themselves to single, reinforced rooms, or underground shelters, anxiously awaiting the cessation of the shelling.

Devraj Sharma, a farmer, barely escaped with his family when a blast struck near his house at 1:35 am. His children screamed as they fled, leaving behind his wheat crop, representing months of labor, destroyed. The relentless shelling has similarly impacted other border villages, causing extensive damage to property and infrastructure. The Pakistani response involves heavy artillery and mortars, deliberately targeting villages and civilian areas.

The situation has forced the closure of schools in Rajouri, not due to physical damage, but because of the inherent danger to students. The এলাকার are living in terror with the constant threat of shelling. The shelling has been described as barbaric and cowardly, with dozens of residential houses damaged. Even heritage sites have not been spared. The Pakistani military is targeting residential areas.

Despite the constant threat, the spirit of Rajouri remains unbroken. The residents display remarkable resilience, determined to face the crisis with courage and fortitude. The armed forces are responding to the ceasefire violations. India is exploring multiple options in responding.