AS people breathe a sigh of relief after being locked with India in a hair-trigger stand-off, there are those for whom a lingering fear remains. Villagers living along the LoC in Azad Kashmir, once more find their lives have been upended by forces beyond their control. It is these people who bear the brunt of India-Pakistan hostilities. In the recent escalation, over 30 lives were lost and more than 1,100 families displaced, while hundreds of homes lay in ruins. Even as a fragile ceasefire holds, children continue to suffer the psychological scars of violence and a feeling of dread prevails. The state of emergency declared across several districts underscores the gravity of the humanitarian crisis. While educational institutions are set to reopen, safety concerns remain, particularly with reports of unexploded ordnance near civilian areas. Schools must not become sites of tragedy, and thorough safety sweeps are essential before children return to class. In the displacement camps, families remain huddled in overcrowded shelters, stripped of privacy and dignity. The most vulnerable — women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities — face heightened risks, including disease outbreaks and gender-based violence. Islamic Relief Pakistan found that over 58pc of affected communities lacked access to clean water and sanitation, and nearly 91pc experienced food insecurity.

The authorities must step in. To begin with, they must ensure that displaced families receive adequate shelter, clean drinking water, food supplies, and medical aid. Cash grants should be distributed to help meet basic needs with dignity. Above all, unexploded ordnance in civilian areas must be cleared quickly. However, humanitarian relief alone is not enough. Long-term solutions must focus on building resilient communities along the LoC. Setting up permanent, well-equipped civil defence shelters, improved early warning systems, and safe evacuation routes is essential to protect civilians. Access to mental health and trauma counselling must also be prioritised, particularly for children grappling with the psychological toll of displacement and conflict. Above all, one hopes that both sides honour their commitment to peace. Civilians along the LoC cannot remain perpetual hostages to hostility. Their right to safety, education, and a dignified life must take precedence over the destructive cycles that have scarred this region for too long.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2025