A year after Operation Sindoor, Bandi village in Uri recovers from shelling scars

Bandi (Uri), May 6: One year after intense cross-border shelling during Operation Sindoor left homes damaged and families traumatised, the border village of Bandi in Uri sector of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district is slowly reclaiming normalcy.

Located nearly 23 kilometres from the Line of Control (LoC), the village today reflects resilience and recovery, with residents rebuilding their homes and lives through community support, government assistance and help from the Indian Army.

Bandi was among the worst-affected villages during the shelling last year, when mortar rounds and artillery fire from across the border damaged several houses and forced residents to flee to safer locations.

Even now, scars of the shelling remain visible on damaged walls and rooftops in parts of the village, serving as reminders of the fear and uncertainty residents endured.

Among those affected were brothers Muhammad Ashraf Sheikh and Muhammad Anwar Sheikh, whose homes suffered extensive damage during the shelling.

Recalling the difficult days following the incident, Ashraf Sheikh said timely intervention by the administration helped families begin the process of recovery.

“The administration responded quickly and provided us compensation when we needed it the most. We repaired the roofs, fixed damaged portions of the house and slowly started living normally again,” he said.

Residents said government officials regularly visited the area after the shelling and ensured that compensation and relief reached affected families without delay.

Villagers also acknowledged the role played by the Indian Army during and after the crisis. According to locals, Army personnel assisted in evacuating civilians to safer areas during the shelling and remained actively involved in relief efforts in the aftermath.

“The Army stood with us during those difficult nights,” several residents recalled. “They helped move families to safer places and supported the villagers throughout the crisis.”

For many young residents, the experience remains emotionally difficult, though they say the support extended by authorities and neighbours helped restore confidence.

Nighat Ara, daughter of Ashraf Sheikh and a Class 12 student, said the incident deeply affected her family.

“We were terrified that night and remained awake till morning. But afterwards, officials and many others came to help us. We realised we were not alone,” she said.

Similarly, Tamna, daughter of Muhammad Anwar Sheikh, said the village gradually regained stability due to continuous support and coordination from the administration.

“Life is normal again. Children have returned to school and people are once again focusing on work and their future,” she said.

Residents said awareness regarding emergency response and safety preparedness has also increased in the village following the shelling incident.

Despite the trauma, everyday life has resumed in Bandi. Farmers have returned to their fields, schools are functioning normally and community activities have gradually regained momentum.

Village elders say the crisis strengthened unity among residents and reinforced trust between civilians, the administration and security forces.

“During those difficult times, everyone stood together — villagers, officials and security forces. That support gave people courage,” said an elderly resident.

Residents now hope that peace along the border remains intact so future generations do not have to experience similar violence.

“We have suffered a lot, but we have also seen compassion and support during the crisis,” Ashraf Sheikh said. “Our biggest hope now is peace and a secure future for our children.”