Life gradually returning to normal in Punjab's border districts

Life is slowly getting back to normal in the border districts of Punjab after recent tensions between India and Pakistan. On Monday, places like Ferozepur and Pathankot showed signs of peace. Markets were crowded with people shopping again, although schools in some areas stayed closed as a safety measure.

After four days of heavy drone and missile attacks across the India-Pakistan border, both countries agreed on Saturday to stop all military actions immediately. This understanding between New Delhi and Islamabad brought a major relief to the people living in border villages.

Local officials said that the situation was now under control. There were no blackouts ordered in the border districts, but authorities asked people not to believe in rumours and remain calm. The police and district administration are keeping a close watch on the situation to maintain peace and order.

Even though many schools remained closed in the border districts like Ferozepur, Fazilka, Pathankot, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur, some colleges and universities in Gurdaspur were allowed to hold online classes. The move was aimed at ensuring students do not fall behind in their studies while staying safe at home.

Punjab shares a 553-kilometre-long border with Pakistan. After the recent ceasefire, daily life in the villages and towns near the border is returning to its usual pace. On Monday, shopkeepers reopened their stores, and residents stepped out for their daily chores. Many people appreciated the Indian security forces for their quick response following the terror attack in Pahalgam.

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People Resume Daily Life

One grocery store owner in Pathankot said, “India has sent a strong message to Pakistan. Now they will think twice before troubling us again.” Pathankot, one of the hardest-hit districts, had seen multiple drone strikes from across the border. Fortunately, Indian forces were able to stop most of these attacks.

In Ferozepur district, many people who had fled their homes during the conflict have now returned. Daler Singh, a resident of Jallo Ke village, said most families in his area had left for safer places. "Now, most of them have come back, but they are still being careful. Life is normal again, and we are returning to our fields," he said.

Another resident added, “We feel safer now. We hope this peace lasts and no more violence happens.”

Train services that had been affected during the conflict were also restored. Officials said that earlier 23 trains were cancelled, four trains started from different stations (short-originated), four stopped early (short-terminated), and three were rescheduled. With calm returning, these services are now running as usual.

While the situation is under control, local authorities in districts like Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Moga had, on Sunday evening, advised residents to switch off their lights voluntarily and stay indoors at night unless absolutely necessary. These were safety measures to avoid drawing attention in case of further attacks.

People have started to regain confidence, but there is still a sense of caution. The memory of the past few days’ violence is still fresh. However, many believe the ceasefire will hold and peace will continue in the region.

For the people of Punjab’s border villages, the return to normal life brings relief. The fear of violence and disruption had made daily life difficult, but now hope is returning with every passing day.