SIALKOT: A good number of people started returning home almost two weeks after they were compelled to move out of harm’s way amid Indian shelling in Sialkot’s border-area villages.

The Border Security Forces shelled houses across the working boundary for many days in Bajwat, Chaprar, Bajra Garhi, Sucheetgarh, Harpal and Charwah sectors, leaving seven dead and 26 others injured.

Anticipating peace and normal routine back home, some of the people exuded high spirits and hoped to resettle in their homes. They told reporters that they were returning home after two weeks and would rebuild their abodes.

The children accompanying their parents found the remains of mortar shells scattered all over the place.

The displaced people complained about the absence of official support in trying times, recalling they had to leave homes many times in the past.

Saleem, a farmer of Charwah’s Dhamala village, demanded that the government come up with a permanent solution to save the people from agony.

Chaudhry Sabir, of Joiyaan village, said they lived under a constant threat of the BSF shelling targeting the civilian population.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2017