𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐏𝐏𝐄 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐔𝐗𝐎 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐫𝐢

Uri, May 25: In response to the persistent threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO) left behind by recent heavy shelling in border areas, the South Asia Centre for Peace and People’s Empowerment (SACPPE), a civil society group based in Srinagar, held an Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) session in the frontier town of Uri, Baramulla district.

Hosted at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School, the session focused on educating students, teachers, and local residents about the serious risks posed by unexploded explosives. The primary aim was to reduce injuries and fatalities by promoting community awareness and preparedness, particularly among children who are most vulnerable in conflict zones.

Part of a broader EORE programme supported by UNICEF India, the event engaged students, educators, and community members, providing Informational, Educational, and Communication (IEC) materials to reinforce safety practices. These materials included guidance on how to recognize, avoid, and report suspicious items safely.

The session was a collaborative effort involving the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Together, they ensured a holistic approach that incorporated mental health support and emergency response training. IMHANS professionals also addressed the psychological impacts of conflict, offering mental health resources and engaging children in interactive activities to help them manage anxiety and trauma.

UNICEF representatives from the Srinagar office were also present, providing technical input and emphasizing the international community’s support for grassroots efforts to safeguard children in conflict-affected regions. A SACPPE spokesperson stressed that the programme is not just about raising awareness but about empowering communities with life-saving knowledge. “Children in border towns like Uri face immense risk. Our aim is to ensure they are safe, informed, and emotionally resilient.”

Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Uri, Javed Gani Banday, and School Principal Manzoor Ahmad Chalkoo emphasized the importance of such awareness sessions in regions where UXOs are a daily danger. They expressed hope that ongoing initiatives like these will foster resilience and awareness among young people. “We live in fear,” a teacher remarked, “but today we gained knowledge—and that gives us hope.”

SACPPE intends to extend these awareness campaigns to other at-risk areas in Kashmir in the near future, reinforcing its commitment to protecting children growing up in regions shaped by conflict and instability.