Kashmiris in IIOJK Barred from Returning to their Homes

Despite a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, thousands of Kashmiris remain stranded away from home as authorities block their return to frontline villages near the Line of Control.

In the wake of renewed tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), authorities in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have barred displaced villagers from returning to their homes near the border.

Over 1.25 lakh residents from villages across Baramulla, Bandipora, and Kupwara districts were forced to flee as their homes came under the looming threat of cross-border shelling. These regions, positioned directly along the LoC, have remained hotspots for frequent military exchanges between India and Pakistan.

A stern advisory issued by the local police has warned residents not to return to their native villages. “Do not return to frontline villages. Lives are at risk…” the advisory reads, highlighting the grave dangers that still persist in these conflict-prone areas.

Many families, now staying in temporary shelters or with relatives in safer districts, say they have been caught in limbo. “We left everything behind — our livestock, our belongings, our land,” one displaced villager from Kupwara said. “Now we’re told we can’t go back. How long are we supposed to live like this?”

The recent ceasefire understanding announced between India and Pakistan had sparked hope among many Kashmiri families. However, the ground reality tells a different story. Despite diplomatic agreements, the fear of sudden shelling and military action continues to haunt border communities.

Human rights advocates and political voices, including Mehbooba Mufti, have expressed concern over the situation. “We must not forget these are human lives at stake. Peace agreements must translate into real security for those on the frontlines,” Mufti recently stated.

The critics believe more should be done to ensure both safety and dignity for those affected. Many have called on the government to provide permanent resettlement options or enhanced security assurances so that families can return without fear.

The continuing displacement underscores a larger issue — the need for a sustainable, long-term resolution to the Kashmir conflict. Ceasefire announcements alone are not enough, residents argue. Without consistent peace and security on the ground, the lives of thousands remain suspended in uncertainty.

As the shelling threat looms and return is prohibited, families in Baramulla, Bandipora, and Kupwara can only hope for a day when peace is more than just a promise.