Mazhar Iqbal
Poonch, (DD):Two weeks after deadly shelling shattered the calm of Poonch district, families have begun returning to what’s left of their homes—charred walls, broken roofs, and haunting memories.
While the rubble speaks of material loss, it’s the invisible scars on the youngest residents that are most disturbing.
“I don’t want to go home. What if the bombs come again?” whispers 9 – year old girl, clutching her mother’s hand outside what used to be her classroom.
A teenager adds, “We still hear the bombs in our dreams. I can’t sleep without my father next to me.”
The return from temporary shelter homes has brought little relief to the locals. The fear is deep-rooted, especially among children who witnessed the chaos firsthand.
“The sound of shelling still echoes in our ears. Our kids are scared even of loudspeakers now,” said, a father of three.
Amid growing anxiety, the demand for community and individual bunkers has become louder and more urgent.
“We need bunkers, not just promises,” said, a local elder.
“We’ve lost homes and lives. If the government cannot guarantee peace, at least give us a place to hide when war knocks again.”
“We can’t live like sitting ducks,” echoed a woman, whose home was partially destroyed.
“Every family here deserves a safe space underground. It’s not a luxury—it’s a necessity.”
Local authorities have assured ongoing assessment and possible inclusion of bunker construction in disaster preparedness plans, but residents say delays are unacceptable. (DD)