More than 1100 DPs have been rehabilitated in Zafar Camp, established by the AJK government near Garhi Dopatta town, some 25kms south of here, on the left bank of river Jhelum, in August 1998. A similar camp, for about 700 DPs, named Haider Camp, has been set up 10 kms ahead of the first one in the town of Hattian Bala.
Shelling along the LoC in Kashmir takes place quite frequently after 1989 when the Kashmiri Mujahideen launched the ongoing armed struggle to overthrow illegal Indian rule on their motherland.
India has deployed huge army along the LoC after the Dec 13 attack on its parliament, which it alleges was committed by the Mujahideen with the backing of Islamabad. Pakistan has denied the charge but has vowed to give a befitting reply to any sort of aggression on its territories.
In the Zafar Camp, many DPs, mostly aged ones, are opposed to war, because they believe that the wars cause irreparable devastation. The continuous turmoil in Kashmir has caused psychiatric problems to no less than five elderly people in this camp alone.
“There should not be war,” said Sheikh Mahboob, 60, from Kunda Galli village, whose hearing ability due to the incessant gunfire has damaged. “Gen Musharraf is right in seeking the resolution of the issue through dialogue, but Vajpayee does not listen to him.”
Syed Gul Hassan Shah, from Khorian village in Chakothi sector, barely 50 yards off the LoC, also prays for peace. Some of his close relations have died in cross border shelling.
“We have already left our homes. And if a war breaks out, where we will go now.”
But youngsters at the camp do not seem scared of war for they believe that only it could help resolve the festering problem.
“Given the obduracy of Indian government, I don’t see a solution to our issue through dialogue,” said Mohammad Younas, 30, from Kunda Galli village, which has been left to rubble due to cross border shelling.