‘Surgical Strikes’ : Gossip in Kashmir shifted from ‘freedom’ to war

5 Dariya News

Srinagar 29-Sep-2016

As India on Thursday claimed that it went for surgical strikes inside Pakistan territory, people in Kashmir were busy talking about the ‘imminent’ war threat while according to reports government employees abandoned their offices shortly after the news about the alleged surgical strikes were aired by the Indian news channels.Pertinently, India claimed that it caused "significant casualties" on militants and those who support them during surgical strikes across the India-Pakistan border late on Wednesday, a claim refuted by Pakistan which said that “the notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by India to create false effects.”Though unaware about the impact of war, majority of the people wanted to see it happen as according to them war is the only way that could force India to resolve long pending Kashmir issue. “The war between India and Pakistan is in the interest of Kashmir. Let us forget about the consequences but Kashmir issue will be resolved,” said a group of people busy in discussion outside Press Enclave to news agency CNS.‘Earlier the centre of discussion was present turmoil and freedom struggle but now everybody talks about war,” said a journo.

However, there were people mostly elders who seemed to be tense saying that war will only bring destruction and death. “I have seen the wars of 1965 and 1971 and i know how frightening they were. We can’t take any risks,” said octogenarian Abdul Samad from Hyderpora locality of Srinagar city.Reports said that in South Kashmir panic created among people and most of the people were discussing how to save themselves from the war. “As the news about alleged surgical strikes were aired by Indian news channels, almost all the employees present in DC office Kulgam left for their home and within no time the mini secretariat wore a deserted look,” said an eyewitness. “Many villagers are actually planning to dig underground shelters. People are discussing among themselves what they need to do in case the war breaks out,” CNS Reporter from Anantnag reported. (CNS)