Srinagar remains calm as border areas face shelling

Despite heavy shelling by Pakistan forcing residents to flee border areas of north Kashmir, life in Srinagar carried on as usual on Wednesday.

This normalcy prevailed even after Indian armed forces conducted missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) earlier in the day. These strikes were in response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 people.

Following the Indian action, Pakistan initiated heavy shelling in the Baramulla and Kupwara districts, which are located close to the Line of Control (LoC).

However, in Srinagar, the situation remained peaceful, and businesses operated normally. Most markets stayed open, and authorities kept schools functioning. “It is a normal day today. I went to my shop as usual,” stated Shoib Ahmad, a local businessman.

While the streets of Srinagar maintained their usual activity, conversations predominantly revolved around the Indian strikes inside Pakistan and PoK. Residents closely followed developments in the region. “I am regularly checking social media and news websites to stay updated on the latest developments,” said Showkat Ahmad, a Srinagar hotelier.

Nevertheless, he expressed a common sentiment of apprehension and hope for de-escalation. “War will bring destruction and benefits no one...we are hoping things settle down quickly,” he added.

Amidst the rising tensions, some residents have begun to stock up on essential supplies and medicines.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the situation in Srinagar, stating that it remained relatively normal. “We haven’t closed the schools in Srinagar. We haven’t closed the schools in Jammu. As a precautionary measure, we have only closed schools in the districts along the border and the Line of Control. I am sitting in the secretariat doing my work. So, there is no cause for panic,” he assured.