The recent Pahalgam attack was nothing less than barbaric. India gave a fitting response by strategically targeting terror infrastructure across the border via Operation Sindoor. But, as like in any war, there was destruction and delirium on ground as well. Pakistani drones attacking civilian areas of Jammu is an example of this. Apart from local residents and tourists, the students from across India studying in Jammu also had to bear the brunt of the cross-border tensions. Having lived in Jammu for a couple of years, I immediately connected with my friends there on hearing about the war. They recounted the dreadful experience. There was a sudden frenzy. All lectures were suspended and students were asked to pack their bags and leave. With the Jammu Airport being shut, the only option left was the train, which then became heavily crowded. Students who could, reached the station and got on the first available train. Then, as aerial activity began to be reported, there was a blackout in the city.

 

Auto-rickshaw drivers refused to ply for fear of their own safety. This left the students stranded. Amidst the blackout, they had to be holed up in their hostels with even basic necessities like food becoming inaccessible. And all this while, parents of these students were spending sleepless nights, staying in touch with their children through the phone. But the batteries could also drain out anytime and there was no power supply, so the students had to ration the phone use as well. The stress was unfathomable. But even amidst this chaos something beautiful emerged: The unity amongst the students. Some comforted those who were stressed, some took the responsibility of communicating with the authorities while some others checked on students stranded outside the campuses. Some students arranged for food while some others kept a tab on travel options.

 

The young adults stood united in the face of adversity. In the midst of all this, our Armed Forces did an excellent job ensuring that every missile was intercepted and destroyed. It is important to note that, beginning in 2016, Jammu has been witnessing a transformative shift since the establishment of institutes of repute such as the IIT, IIM, AIIMS, etc. Further, with the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Jammu began to emerge as an educational hub in northern India. The barriers to academic growth were overcome and the region began thriving. But the spate of recent attacks has once again threatened this. With a neighbour like Pakistan, India can never let its guards down. So, going further, now there should be proper SoPs in place to ensure security for both, local residents and the visitors. Universities should be better prepared to deal with such situations. Come what may, what Jammu has achieved in last decade in the field of academics should be preserved and nurtured in future as well. By Prerna Pande