Border Villages in Punjab Witness Movement Amid Fears of Escalation After Indian Strikes
Following India’s recent pre-dawn strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, residents of several villages along the International Border in Punjab have begun moving to safer locations, fearing a potential escalation in hostilities.
Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma urged residents not to panic, clarifying that no official evacuation orders had been issued. “The administration is fully alert and prepared to deal with all contingencies,” she said, adding that senior officials were deployed to counsel anxious villagers.
Despite the reassurances, residents in villages such as Tendi Wala, Kalu Wala, Gatti Rajo Ke, Jhugge Hazara, Navi Gatti Rajo Ke, Gatti Rahime Ke, Chandiwala, Basti Bhanewali, and Jallo Ke were seen packing up essential items — including food, clothes, and valuables — onto tractor-trailers, bullock carts, and motorcycles to relocate to safer areas.
Some villagers said they were acting out of caution. “My relatives insisted I leave because they fear a war-like situation in the coming days,” said one resident.
Kakku Singh (63) of Bhambha Haji village had traveled to Kaluwala village, which is surrounded by the Sutlej River on three sides and Pakistan on the fourth, to check on his two married daughters. “After hearing the news of the strikes, I became concerned. I’m taking my daughters and their families home with me until the situation settles,” he said.
Pachho Bai (58) of Tendi Wala and her daughter-in-law were seen preparing to leave. “Our house is just 2 km from the border. My husband and son are away for work, but the rest of us plan to move to a relative’s home,” she explained.
Ranjit Singh from Gatti Rajo Ke village said he would send his three children to stay with relatives. “Even though there is no official evacuation, many villagers are sending their families away as a precaution,” he said.
Yet, not all are leaving. Some villagers have chosen to remain, expressing faith in the Indian armed forces. “We are ready to support our soldiers as the first line of defence,” said Surjeet Singh of Tendi Wala.
Memories of Past Wars Resurface
In Fazilka district, similar scenes unfolded. At Pakka Chisti village, located just 1 km from the border, 80-year-old Ojha Singh recalled the 1965 and 1971 wars. “In 1971, we had to flee, leaving everything behind. During the 1965 war, about 20 villagers were taken captive by Pakistan,” he recounted.
At Mohar Jamsher village, former Sarpanch Hansa Singh said many residents had shifted valuables to relatives' homes but chose to stay put for now. “We will wait for official instructions before leaving,” he said.
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