Border residents back armed forces

Amit Khajuria

Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 30

Extending full support to the armed forces, people residing in border villages have urged the Central government to go for what they termed a one-time and final settlement with Pakistan.

After tension gripped the areas near the international border and the Line of Control (LoC), following the Army’s surgical strikes on terror launch pads on Wednesday, authorities have instructed residents of 45 villages in Samba district to shift to safer places near the Jammu-Pathankot national highway.

An alert has been sounded in Sadwal, Sujana, Chachwal, Chalatriyan, Mangu Chak, Ragal, Mawa, Bain-Glad, Manga, SM Pura villages and many others. Many families have shifted their elders and children to safer places, but some of the family members are staying in villages during daytime to take care of their crops.

Though these villagers are the first victims of the war or cross-firing, they are standing by the forces and urging Narendra Modi-led Central government to settle issues with Pakistan once for all.

“We are now fed up with cross-firing and rumours of war, now the forces should be given a free hand by the government to go ahead and finish the things once for all,” said Updesh Kumar, a resident of SM Pura village.

“How many times we will move everything to temples, banquet halls and schools located at safer places? After every six-seven months, Pakistan starts shelling and we have to face huge loss of lives and property,” he added.

“We are with the Army and will extend full support to our forces. Though we have to evacuate our villages, the forces should be given free hand this time,” said Moti Lal of Glad village.