On India's border with Pakistan, villagers fear war

Daoke village near India’s border with Pakistan bears enduring memories of past conflicts between the two nations. Residents, many of whom have experienced previous wars, remain vigilant as tensions once again rise.

Relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors have deteriorated following a recent attack on civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir, for which India has attributed responsibility to Pakistan. Although the border remains calm at present, communities in the area remain acutely aware of the risks should violence resume.

Past conflicts, notably those in 1965, 1971, and during the Kargil conflict of 1999, brought significant hardship, including displacement, economic disruption, and extensive damage to farmland. While the situation at the border is currently stable, the experiences of earlier wars continue to influence the outlook of border communities, where many call for the preservation of peace and the avoidance of further conflict.