Through winding roads, we enter a stunning landscape in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This area is known for its beauty, featuring wide valleys, rushing rivers, and terraced hills. However, it is also a place of conflict, caught in a long-standing dispute between India and Pakistan.
Recently, tensions escalated, leading to missile strikes that left their mark on Muzaffarabad, the provincial capital. The strikes hit Bilal Mosque, causing significant damage. The roof was destroyed, and the prayer room was left with a massive hole in the ceiling.
Jameel Akhtar stands among the ruins, mourning the loss of his 82-year-old father, Muhammad, who died in the attack. Despite his grief, he expresses a sense of honor, calling his father a martyr. He believes it is the duty of the Pakistani government and armed forces to seek revenge against India.
The Indian government claims that the mosque was linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a group labeled as a terrorist organization by the UN. However, the mosque’s imam, Khursheed Ul Hasan, denies these accusations. He insists he is a community leader, not a terrorist.
Nearby, Nimra Safeer, a local girl, was injured in the attack. She is now unable to sleep and pleads for dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve their ongoing issues. She reflects on how the violence disrupts the education of children like her.
In Muzaffarabad, a school across from the mosque was also damaged. Thankfully, the children were not there at the time. Fatima, a student, expresses her anger, saying, "Our school is destroyed. India destroyed it."
The recent violence may have subsided, but the animosity between the two nations remains strong. Pakistan feels emboldened after the clashes, while India maintains a firm stance, refusing to engage in talks or allow outside mediation.
With both sides showing little willingness to compromise, the future remains uncertain. Ordinary people on both sides fear for their safety as the fragile peace hangs in the balance.