Kashmir Residents on Both Sides of Dividing Line Brace for Possible War

Nestled in the mountains of Indian-administered Kashmir, children in the village of Churanda begin their day with prayers led by teachers, hoping the peaceful sounds of nature are not replaced by the roar of gunfire.

Despite school functioning as usual, fear is rising among families.

"Fear among the parents is running high," said teacher Farooq Ahmad, referring to concerns sparked by last week’s attack on tourists that many believe could push the two nuclear-armed neighbors toward another confrontation.

India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir and engaged in countless border clashes.
Locals are all too familiar with the tension and anxiety that accompany any surge in hostilities between the nations.

At least 26 tourists were killed in the recent attack at a scenic mountain location.

India has blamed Pakistan for involvement, a claim Islamabad denies.

In turn, Pakistan has stated it has "credible intelligence" suggesting that India plans imminent military action.

From the village of Churanda, residents can see both Indian and Pakistani soldiers manning their outposts.

Local elders say that 18 villagers have been killed in cross-border fire over the years.

"There are six bunkers in the village for a population of 1,500. Both sides are threatening each other. If there is border escalation, where will we go? Fear is there as this village is the worst hit," said Abdul Aziz, 25, a resident.

Across the Line of Control, in the Pakistani-administered village of Chakothi, families are preparing fortified shelters tucked into the hillsides near their homes.

"People have built bunkers in their homes. They go in the bunkers whenever there is some firing," said Faizan Anayat, 22, who was visiting from Rawalpindi, where he works as an air conditioning technician.

Mohammad Nazir, 73, paused his bunker preparations to attend Friday prayers at the mosque while children played cricket outside.

“We are not afraid of anything,” Nazir said. “Every one of our kids is ready.”

In Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the government has prepared a 1 billion Pakistani rupee ($3.5 million) emergency fund.

Officials say they have dispatched enough food, water and medical supplies to last two months in villages near the border.

Religious seminaries across the region have been closed for ten days amid fears they might be targeted by Indian strikes, officials said.

Authorities have also deployed equipment to repair damaged roads and placed rescue and civil defence teams on high alert, according to the office of the region’s prime minister.

Gulzar Fatima, head of the Pakistan Red Crescent’s Kashmir branch, said they began mobilising staff and resources as soon as tensions rose.

She said the organisation is preparing relief camps equipped with tents, hygiene kits, and cooking supplies for at least 500 families, anticipating large-scale displacement if conflict erupts.