Maria Khan, a resident of Poonch in Indian-administered Kashmir, shares the devastating story of losing her 12-year-old nephew and niece, Zain Ali and Urwa Fatima, who were killed in cross-border shelling on May 7th. Despite the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, the family faces the painful reality that nothing can bring their children back.
Details of the Attack
On May 7th, India launched airstrikes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir in retaliation for a militant attack that killed 26 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. The airstrikes sparked a series of cross-border shelling and drone strikes from both sides, leaving civilians, especially those living along the Line of Control (LoC), vulnerable to the violence.
The Final Moments of Zain and Urwa
On May 6th, Zain and Urwa followed their usual routine—returning home from school, completing their homework, and having dinner. The next morning, their lives were tragically cut short when a shell exploded near their home. As their parents attempted to leave the house for safety, the shell struck, killing Urwa instantly and seriously injuring Zain. A stranger performed CPR on Zain, but it was too late to save him.
Rameez Khan’s Ongoing Struggles
Rameez, the children’s father, suffered serious injuries in the shelling. He remains unconscious and unaware of his children’s deaths. His family has kept this tragic news from him, wanting to spare him from further distress while he recovers.
The Impact of the Loss on the Khan Family
Zain and Urwa were at the center of their parents’ world, and their deaths have left a deep, irreplaceable void. Rameez, a teacher, had moved the family closer to Christ School to give them the best possible education. Maria Khan, Rameez’s sister, describes how much the children meant to their parents and how their loss has devastated the entire family.
Evacuation and Safety Concerns
After the shelling, many families in Poonch and nearby towns fled to safer locations. Maria Khan criticizes the lack of early warnings for civilians in border areas, stating, “The government should have informed people living near the border earlier, so they could have evacuated to safety. Maybe our children would still be with us today.”
A Call for Humanitarian Consideration
While Maria supports national security efforts, she urges both governments to consider the human toll of the ongoing conflict. “If war is necessary for the country’s security, we support it,” she says. “But we should also think about the lives of those living near the border. Are we not humans?”
The Irreparable Loss
Maria concludes by stating the painful truth: “Now, whether there is war or ceasefire, our children will never come back.”
Key Points:
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Maria Khan mourns the tragic loss of her nephew and niece in cross-border shelling.
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The attack occurred amid escalating military actions between India and Pakistan.
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Zain and Urwa died in the explosion, while their father, Rameez Khan, remains seriously injured.
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The family calls for better communication and safety measures for civilians in border regions.
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Their story highlights the human cost of conflict, where innocent lives are often caught in the crossfire.
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