Heartbreaking Loss Amid Cross-Border Shelling
Maria Khan, a resident of Indian-administered Kashmir, reflects on the tragic loss of her 12-year-old nephew and niece, Zain Ali and Urwa Fatima, who were killed in a cross-border shelling on May 7th. Despite the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, the pain of their death remains unhealed for the family. The children’s parents, Urusa and Rameez Khan, were also injured in the attack and remain hospitalized.
Military Strikes and Retaliation
The fatal incident took place after a series of military actions between India and Pakistan. India launched airstrikes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir in retaliation for an earlier militant attack that killed 26 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. The violence resulted in a series of cross-border shelling and drone strikes.
The Night of Tragedy
Maria recounts the events of May 6th, when the children followed their usual routine—coming back from school, doing homework, and having dinner—before being caught in the devastating violence. In the early hours of May 7th, shelling began near their home. Despite efforts to seek shelter, as the family was leaving their house, a shell exploded. Urwa died instantly, while Zain was critically injured. Maria describes how her sister, Urusa, was holding Urwa’s hand when the explosion occurred.
Efforts to Save Zain
A stranger tried to perform CPR on Zain, but he was unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Rameez, who was bleeding profusely and unconscious, was rushed to various hospitals. The family has not told Rameez about the deaths of his children, as they want to spare him further emotional distress.
A Father’s Dream for His Children
The twins were the center of Rameez and Urusa’s lives. Rameez, a teacher, had moved his family closer to Christ School in hopes of providing the best possible education for his children.
The Impact of Shelling on Local Communities
Following the tragic shelling, hundreds of people in Poonch and nearby border towns were forced to flee to safer areas. Maria expresses her frustration, saying that the government should have informed people living near the border earlier to evacuate. She believes this could have prevented the tragic deaths of her niece and nephew.
A Call for Compassion and Understanding
While Maria expresses support for her country’s security, she stresses the need to consider the human cost of such conflicts. “Whether there is war or ceasefire, our children will never come back,” she poignantly says, urging a focus on the lives of those living near the border.
Key Takeaways:
- Maria Khan lost her nephew and niece, Zain Ali and Urwa Fatima, in a deadly cross-border shelling.
- The tragedy occurred following military actions between India and Pakistan.
- Maria highlights the human cost of conflict for families living near the Line of Control (LoC).
- She calls for better government communication and safety measures for civilians.
- Maria’s heartfelt message underlines the irreplaceable loss experienced by families caught in the crossfire.
