Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, May 10: Forced to flee their homes under heavy shelling, dozens of families from frontier villages in north Kashmir have found temporary refuge in Government-run relief centers in the Sheeri and Narvaw areas of Baramulla district.
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At least 20 families have been relocated to these centers-with many others displaced in surrounding areas-following days of cross-border shelling, officials said.
As the cross-LoC shelling intensified and houses were targeted, many families fled with little more than the clothes on their backs, carrying their children and whatever belongings they could grab in haste.
The district administration has converted educational institutions, including Hanifa Model School Sheeri and Boys Middle School Sheeri Payeen, into makeshift shelters, while civil society groups have stepped in to provide food, blankets and other essentials.
“We were directed to arrange accommodations, and we acted swiftly. We have ensured the necessary facilities with the help of the local civil society,” said Rashida Maqbool, Headmaster of Hanifa Model School Sheeri.
“Our staff worked round the clock to prepare the facilities. These families have lost so much-we want to ensure they have a safe place to stay and access to basic necessities.”
Displaced residents shared emotional accounts of their escape, saying they were left with no option but to flee for their lives.
“There was heavy shelling going on-that’s why we came here,” said Saima, a resident of Gingle in Uri.
“We haven’t come here out of happiness. We are homeless now, with our children. Some families were separated during the chaos and still don’t know where their loved ones are. We urge peace-an end to this war.”
Reyaz Ahmad Ganai, the Nodal Officer for Relief and Rehabilitation, praised the coordinated response and said necessary assistance was being provided to those shifted.
“From the PDD ensuring uninterrupted electricity to the Health Department arranging medical camps, every stakeholder has contributed. The generosity of the local community has been overwhelming,” he said.
Authorities have put in place essential services, including shelter with bedding in repurposed classrooms, on-site medical support, and a steady supply of food and essentials provided by NGOs and volunteers.
However, with more families expected to arrive, officials have appealed for continued assistance in the form of warm clothing, hygiene kits, and food rations.
“We still need more help,” said a volunteer at one of the relief centers, adding that these families are starting over from nothing.
Notably, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed officials to ensure all necessary assistance is extended to residents of border areas affected by shelling from across the Line of Control.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who recently visited the border areas and met with residents, instructed the district administration to provide immediate relief to the affected families and to ensure their safety and security.
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