Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, tensions between India and Pakistan have reached new heights. Taking stringent actions against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty. Moreover, individuals who came to India from Pakistan are being sent back. The question arises: is India gearing up for decisive action against Pakistan? Are there harsher measures yet to be implemented to teach Pakistan a lesson?
Current Atmosphere in Villages Near Jaisalmer
India Today visited certain parts of Jaisalmer in the western region of India, including Gamnewala and Murad ki Dhani villages, which witnessed the Battle of Longewala in 1971 to assess the current atmosphere.
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In Murad ki Dhani, several villagers expressed the need for punishing the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack. However, others believe that if a war breaks out, it will bring significant challenges to the entire region. Local resident Mombe Khan stated, 'War results in losses for everyone. It's better if it doesn't happen.' He further added that those involved in the terrorist attack should indeed be punished.
Leaving Villages Post-War
He further recounted that during the 1965 war, they were very young, about 5 years old. By the 1971 war, they had become a bit older and had moved to Dewikot after the 1965 conflict. Some people were asked to leave, while others fled on their own. After the war, they stayed away for ten years before returning once the tensions subsided.
Another resident, Mohammad Khan, mentioned that with the threat of war looming, hardships will increase. What transpired (in Pahalgam) was dreadful, and similar punishment should be meted out to them as suffered by the Pahalgam incident victims.
Source: aajtak
Region Lagging Due to War
Villages near the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer, such as Gamnewala, Murad ki Dhani, Saddewala, and Tanot, have been devastated, with Indian residents still suffering the aftereffects of the 1971 war decades later. Some believe the conflict further exacerbated the region's issues and severely hindered infrastructure development.
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No good schools exist for miles, except for an elementary government school that only teaches up to fifth grade. Additionally, there is no private or government hospital within a 40-kilometer radius, leaving several villagers without access to proper healthcare. Anyone with a severe illness must be taken to Ramgarh for treatment. Villagers report that for those with critical health conditions requiring immediate medical attention, there is little hope.
Lack of Schools and Hospitals
Mombe Khan shared that if a child falls sick, they must travel 40 kilometers to Ramgarh. Educational facilities are limited to primary schooling in the region. Noor Khan, a resident of Murad ki Dhani village, explained, 'This is our land, and we remain here. Without it, where would we rear our animals? Where would we earn from?' According to Ummed Singh from Gamnewala village, should there be another war, many people would be affected, and strong punishment should be given to the guilty.
The terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed 26 lives. The attackers targeted tourists visiting the Baisaran Valley, questioning their names and religion before opening fire. Anger is palpable among the populace, demanding a sharp response to Pakistan.
