Twins killed in shelling highlight dangers of living near India-Pakistan border

In Indian-administered Kashmir, intense conflict erupted around May 7, 2025, due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The hostilities were marked by cross-border shelling, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 12-year-old twins, Zain Ali and Urwa Fatima, who were caught in an explosion near their school in Poonch. Their parents, Urusa and Rameez Khan, were also injured and hospitalized following the incident, which came in the wake of a retaliatory strike by India against targets in Pakistan after an earlier militant attack had killed 26 tourists in Indian territory. The incident starkly illustrates the vulnerability of civilians situated along the Line of Control (LoC) between the two nations, where the threat of violence is a constant reality. Living in this region means enduring a precarious existence, with families facing the daily risks associated with military actions that can escalate quickly. Past ceasefires have offered little assurance, as violations have frequently occurred, and the history of conflicts has continually impacted local communities. The foreign policies and military strategies of both countries often overlook the human cost of these confrontations, focusing instead on territorial and political gains. Local voices, like that of Maria Khan, who lost her niece and nephew, call for greater human consideration in these political skirmishes, emphasizing the need for governments to prioritize the safety of civilians, especially in border areas. As tensions evolve, calls for peaceful resolutions and a sustainable outcome that protects the lives of those in Kashmir remain paramount. The tragic death of the twins serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity for dialogue to resolve underlying issues peacefully, ensuring that such heartbreaking events do not happen again.