Operation Sindoor anniversary rekindles grief of Poonch family that lost twins in shelling

Poonch, May 7: A year after twin siblings Zain and Zoya were killed in cross-border shelling during Operation Sindoor, their parents continue to live in silent grief, holding on to memories of the children whose dreams ended at the age of 12.

The twin brother and sister were among civilians killed during shelling from across the border between May 7 and 10 last year.

The children were buried in the courtyard of their home in Poonch, where their parents now spend hours remembering them and coping with the loss.

Family members said the parents have been unable to recover from the tragedy even after a year and often visit the graves of their children late at night.

Their mother, Aroosa, said the family had many hopes attached to the twins, who dreamed of becoming doctors in the future. She said those dreams were shattered on the day of the shelling.

According to the family, the twins had celebrated their birthday on April 25, just days before the incident, and had wanted a simple celebration this time.

The children’s father, Rameez Khan, who was also seriously injured in the shelling, said he learned about the deaths of his children only after he was shifted for treatment.

He said the memories of his children continue to haunt the family and added that he frequently visits their graves seeking emotional relief.

Rameez said that while most of his physical injuries have healed, one of his hands still does not function properly and the pain of losing his children remains unbearable.

“We shifted from our village to Poonch only for the education of our children. Had we known such a tragedy awaited us, we would never have moved,” he said.