Caught in the Crossfire: Voices from Kashmir's Disputed Borders

As tensions flare between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan, hundreds of civilians, including Kalia Devi, have been evacuated from the conflict zone along the northwestern border. The escalating hostilities have claimed civilian lives on both sides, prompting urgent calls for peace from global powers.

Kalia Devi, a daily laborer who relocated from Bihar for work, finds herself displaced along with numerous others in Jammu. The evacuees, housed in a makeshift shelter at a college, express fear and a desire for swift resolution. 'We have to live first,' Devi emphasizes, reflecting the anxiety shared by many.

In response to the crisis, Indian authorities have transformed educational and spiritual centers into shelters for the affected populace. Basic amenities and medical care are provided, yet the constant threat of violence hovers, making safety a primary concern for these unwitting victims of geopolitical conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)