Reasi/Katra/Samba

Life in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi and Katra has begun to return to normal following a ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan. Schools have reopened in both towns, marking a significant step towards restoring routine civic life after recent cross-border tensions.

In Katra, the base camp of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, students resumed classes with visible relief and optimism. "Due to the conflict, our education was disrupted. Now that schools have reopened, we are very happy," said Preeti Sharma, a student of Trikuta Public Higher Secondary School. Another student, Kanak Sharma, expressed gratitude to the Indian Army, stating, "I'm grateful for the protection they provided during the tense period. It's a blessing that our schools have reopened."

The Deputy Commissioner of Reasi has instructed officials to ensure a safe and secure learning environment, including steps like sanitation drives, counselling, and mental health support for affected students.

Despite the relative calm in Reasi and Katra, fear continues to grip border villages in the Samba district. On Monday night, explosions were heard and splinters hit a house, damaging its roof and kitchen. Residents like Dalbeer Singh and Prakar Singh described a night of confusion and anxiety as shelling and drone activity were reported in the area.

"When the drone firing happened, I was trying to calm my kids," said Prakar Singh. “There is an environment of fear,” echoed Dalbeer Singh.

Army sources confirmed that a small number of Pakistani drones entered the Samba sector during a blackout on Monday evening and were engaged by India’s air defence systems. Authorities stated that there is no cause for alarm and the situation is under control.

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While schools and daily life are resuming in non-border areas, the situation remains tense along certain stretches of the border, underlining the fragile nature of the current ceasefire.