Life in border areas returns to normalcy

The people have warmly welcomed the ceasefire initiative, which is seen as a step toward restoring normalcy in both India and Pakistan. The ongoing uncertainty had been severely impacting business and daily life across all sections of society.

Despite it being Sunday, shops and other business establishments opened as usual, and customers came to the market in significant numbers. Operators of auto rickshaws, and small shops, who had previously closed their shops and businesses, resumed their activities. Normal life in the border villages is also beginning to recover.

Manjinder Singh Manna, a resident of Naushehra Dhala, a village near the Indo-Pak border, expressed that with the ceasefire, the fear that had gripped the people has subsided and normalcy is slowly returning. He mentioned that many families, who had previously sent their women and children to safer places at night, have now started coming back.

In the border town of Khemkaran, as the sun rose, shopkeepers opened their shops, and customers came to shop in the bazaars. Baba Ajit Singh, Sewadar of Gurdwara Baba Yogi Peer in Chahal, stated that the recent days of turmoil had severely disrupted the lives of common people, leaving many jobless. He called on the government to compensate this section by providing employment.

Special prayers held

Special prayers were also held at the local Saint Thomas Church to celebrate Mother’s Day. The day was dedicated to “Motherland Day,” with children performing a cultural programme in which they prayed for the safety and security of the

country and pledged to serve it wholeheartedly.

During the event, the children also offered flowers to their mothers. Priest Rev. Samuel Mattu prayed for the long and healthy life of both mothers and the motherland.