In the aftermath of recent cross-border shelling by Pakistan, the Indian Army's Romeo Force has been actively conducting door-to-door surveys in the Jhalas area along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. The primary objective of this initiative is to assess the extent of damage to residential structures and provide immediate medical assistance to the affected civilian population.
The personnel of the Romeo Force are engaging directly with the local residents during these visits. Many locals have reported significant damage to their homes as a result of the shelling that occurred on May 9, 2025. Mohammad Asif, a resident whose house was severely damaged, shared that he and his family have been forced to seek shelter with a neighbor due to the uninhabitable condition of their home.
The Indian Army's efforts have been met with gratitude from the community. Asif expressed his appreciation for the army's support, noting that they provided medicines and encouraged residents to report any problems they were facing. He acknowledged the army's dual role of defending the border and assisting the local population.
In addition to assessing damages and providing medical aid, the Indian Army's engineer bomb disposal squad is working to locate and defuse unexploded ordnance in residential areas within the Nowshera subdivision of Rajouri district. These live shells, remnants of the intense shelling, pose a significant threat to the safety of civilians, and the army is committed to removing them to prevent further harm.
The door-to-door survey and the work of the bomb disposal squad highlight the Indian Army's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents in the border areas. This initiative is particularly crucial as daily life in these areas is disrupted by the conflict between India and Pakistan.
The recent events follow a period of heightened tension and cross-border exchanges between India and Pakistan. However, with both countries reaching an understanding for the cessation of hostilities after Operation Sindoor, there is hope for a return to normalcy. In Akhnoor, daily life is gradually returning to normal as people resume their activities. Bhupendra Singh, a resident of Akhnoor, confirmed that the situation in the area is calm following the ceasefire announcement.
While the situation along the LoC remains sensitive, the Indian Army's efforts to provide assistance and ensure the safety of civilians in Poonch demonstrate its dedication to protecting the local population amidst challenging circumstances.
