𝐏𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐆𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬-𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠

Poonch, May 9: A day after Pakistani forces carried out unprovoked shelling on civilian areas in Poonch, residents reopened the Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, demonstrating resilience and unity in the face of violence.

Despite the damage caused by the shelling, the Singh Sabha Gurdwara resumed prayers on Thursday morning, with locals determined not to let fear prevail.

“This is a place of peace. We won’t allow fear to shut its doors,” said Harpal Singh, a volunteer who spent the night clearing debris from the site. “We lost loved ones here, but their faith continues through us.”

Narinder Singh, President of the District Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, confirmed that cross-border shelling damaged a door and shattered some windows of the Gurdwara.

At the local madrasa, preparations are underway to reopen soon. “We will not let fear dictate our future,” said Maulana Khalid, a senior teacher, as he swept debris from the entrance. “Education is our form of resistance.”

Meanwhile, the Sanatan Dharam Sabha Temple continued its daily rituals without interruption. “This temple has stood strong through many challenges. We won’t abandon it now,” Shastri, a temple priest, affirmed.

Security forces have stepped up patrols along the Line of Control, with the Indian Army maintaining high alert in the area.

Locals strongly condemned the targeting of religious sites and civilians, calling it a grave violation of international norms. Volunteers worked tirelessly to clean the Gurdwara, repair windows at the madrasa, and restore parts of the temple compound, reaffirming their commitment to faith and community.