A sense of normalcy began returning to Punjab’s border districts on Monday, just two days after India and Pakistan agreed to suspend hostilities following days of cross-border drone and missile exchanges.
Markets across the frontier towns witnessed lively scenes, with residents stepping out in large numbers, even as authorities remained cautious, keeping educational institutions closed in key districts. Schools in Ferozepur, Fazilka, Pathankot, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur continued to stay shut as a precautionary measure. Colleges and universities in Pathankot and Gurdaspur also remained closed, though institutions were encouraged to offer online classes to avoid academic disruption.
Local administrations reassured citizens that the situation was under control. Urging residents to remain calm and avoid falling prey to rumors, district officials refrained from enforcing blackouts but advised vigilance. The border region, stretching over 553 kilometers, had been on high alert after a series of drone incursions and missile strikes, particularly targeting areas like Pathankot, which bore the brunt of multiple aerial threats thwarted by Indian security forces.
In the aftermath of the ceasefire, villagers who had evacuated from sensitive zones began returning home. Daler Singh, a farmer from Jallo Ke village near Ferozepur, noted, “Many of us had to leave our homes during the attacks, but now people are coming back. There’s still caution in the air, but life is moving forward, and we are back in the fields.”
Residents expressed a mixture of relief and resilience. “India’s response has sent a clear message to Pakistan,” said a grocery shop owner in Pathankot. “Our forces have shown strength, and we hope peace will now prevail.”
Meanwhile, transportation services, which had been severely disrupted during the period of tension, were being restored. Officials confirmed that 23 trains had been cancelled and several others short-terminated or rescheduled over the weekend. Services resumed normal operations following the ceasefire agreement.
On Sunday evening, authorities in districts like Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Moga had urged citizens to voluntarily switch off lights and minimize movement after dusk as a safety precaution. However, with tensions easing, such advisories are expected to be lifted soon.
As the border communities cautiously rebuild their daily rhythms, there is a collective hope across Punjab that the ceasefire will endure and peace will finally find a lasting foothold in the region.
