Relief in Kashmir - but BBC hears from families on both sides mourning the dead

In the region of Kashmir, a recent surge in violence has left families mourning the loss of their loved ones. The conflict between India and Pakistan has escalated, leading to devastating consequences for innocent civilians. Nimra, a 16-year-old girl from Pakistan-administered Kashmir, found herself in a terrifying situation when Indian missiles struck near her home. She was outside when she heard the loud explosions and felt a sharp pain in her chest. In the chaos, her family rushed her to her aunt's house, where they discovered blood on her dress. Nimra was terrified and held her hand tightly against her chest, fearing that if she let go, she would lose everything inside her. Later, doctors would find a piece of shrapnel lodged near her heart, a painful reminder of the violence that had invaded her life. Meanwhile, in India-administered Kashmir, MN Sudhan, a 72-year-old man, was trying to escape the shelling with his family. As they fled, a shell struck their vehicle, killing his 13-year-old grandson, Vihaan, instantly. Sudhan described the moment as shattering, saying, 'Our future was shattered at that very moment. ' He had witnessed two wars between India and Pakistan but had never experienced such intense shelling. The stories of Nimra and Vihaan highlight the tragic impact of the ongoing conflict, which has claimed many lives and left families in despair. Both India and Pakistan administer parts of Kashmir, and the region has been a flashpoint for violence for decades. The recent attacks were triggered by a militant assault on Indian tourists, which India attributed to Pakistan-based militants. In response, India launched missile strikes, leading to a cycle of retaliation from Pakistan. The violence escalated over four days, with both sides exchanging fire and drone attacks, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty. A ceasefire was eventually brokered by international players, but the damage had already been done. Families on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) reported losses and destruction of property. Reports indicate that at least 16 people were killed on the Indian side, while Pakistan claims that 40 civilians lost their lives, although the exact numbers remain unclear. The atmosphere in both countries was tense, with officials in India initially celebrating their military successes, while the Pakistani military was prepared for a response. Many civilians felt caught in the crossfire, with no warning or evacuation orders issued. The Indian government had kept military operations confidential, leaving families vulnerable. As the conflict continued, thousands of villagers were evacuated from the Indian side of the LoC. The Khan family, for instance, attempted to flee their home but faced tragedy when shrapnel from a shell struck their vehicle, fatally injuring Nargis, a 47-year-old mother of six. Her daughter Sanam recounted the harrowing experience of trying to get her mother to a hospital, only to find the gates locked due to the ongoing shelling. Tragically, Nargis succumbed to her injuries, leaving her family devastated. The ceasefire agreement that followed the violence brought a temporary sense of relief, but the scars of the conflict remain. Many families had enjoyed a period of relative peace since the last ceasefire in 2021, but the recent violence has shattered that sense of security. Sanam expressed her anguish, appealing to both governments to prioritize the safety of civilians. She urged leaders to understand the true cost of war and the pain it inflicts on families. The conflict in Kashmir serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the urgent need for dialogue and understanding between India and Pakistan. As families continue to grieve and rebuild their lives, the hope for a lasting resolution remains a distant dream.