Srinagar, June 30, 2021 (PPI-OT):Over 300 marriages have taken place in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) since the announcement of ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in the month of February, this year, between India and Pakistan. Nightlong gatherings, flock dances, singing is the new normal in border villages which till lately were only witnessing roars of the guns and bombshells.

The representatives from North Kashmir comprising three remote districts including Bandipora, Baramulla and Kupwara said the special occasions have now returned with no fear looming around while the COVID-19 pandemic restricted people from huge gatherings. Expressing their satisfaction and joy over the recent ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan in February, the representatives maintained that there is nothing better for the people of border areas. Aijaz Ahmed Khan, member of Block Development Council (BDC) Tulail in Gurez sector said the people are at ease and life is coming back to normal without any fear. “Marriages are taking place without any fear and threat. At least 100 marriages were done post the recent ceasefire announcement,” Khan said.

Rafiq Balot, the Block Development Council (BDC) member from the Uri sector, said that at least 50 marriage functions have taken place with people dancing, music, and happiness in night-long functions close to the Line of Control (LoC). He said that the pace of marriages is slow due to the pandemic but people are much relieved and happy after the recent understanding between the two neighbouring countries.

Nishada Parveen, the BDC member Teehthwal in the Karnah sector said that people are confined due to the virus since there were restrictions on gatherings. “At least 100 marriages with little gatherings have taken place. People are living peacefully now,” she said. Ghulam Mustafa, Sarpanch of the Gabra area in the Karnah sector, said that at least 25 marriage functions were held in a very joyful environment with no fear or threat from anywhere. The people are much relieved and it’s like life has started after February 25 for the people of border areas, he said.

Mohammad Amin, Sarpanch of Hajitara in the Karnah sector, said that at least 25 marriage functions were conducted under COVID-19 protocols, since there were restrictions and gatherings were not allowed. Notably, the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan agreed to adhere to all the ceasefire agreements along the Line of Control (LoC) from the night of February 24 and 25 this year.

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