A Year After Border Clashes, Uri’s Displaced Still Await Rehabilitation

Idrees Bukhtiyar
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30 Apr 2026

Uri (Baramulla), Apr 29:- A year after cross-border shelling along the Line of Control following the Pahalgam terror attack, families displaced from Uri continue to await rehabilitation, with many still struggling to rebuild their lives amid uncertain support and delayed assistance.

The families, originally from Nowpora and Kalgai villages, were shifted to the government-run Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) at Salamabad on May 7, 2025, after intense shelling damaged or destroyed their houses. Since then, many say their lives have remained in limbo.

“We were told this was temporary, but it has been almost a year now,” said Talib Hussain, one of the displaced residents. “We have nowhere to go. Our homes are in ruins, and whatever compensation we received is not even enough to begin rebuilding.”

Several residents alleged that the financial assistance provided by the government reportedly up to Rs 2 lakh per family falls far short of what is needed to reconstruct a house in the hilly border region.

“With an amount of one lakh and six thousand, you can’t even lay the foundation,” said Zeenat Begum, her voice tinged with frustration. “How are we supposed to build an entire house and restart our lives with such a small amount?”

Elderly residents, too, are struggling to cope with the prolonged displacement. Mohd Sultan Naik (85), who has spent his entire life in Nowpora, said the situation has taken a toll on both his physical and emotional well-being.

“I never imagined I would spend my old age like this away from my home, dependent on others,” he said. “We just want to go back and live the rest of our lives with dignity.”

Women in the camp echoed similar concerns, highlighting the challenges of raising children in cramped and uncertain conditions.

“Our children are growing up without stability,” said Saima, another resident. “We don’t know what future awaits them if we continue to live like this. We are also unable to send them schools”

The displaced families have urged the administration to enhance compensation, expedite rehabilitation measures, and provide a clear timeline for their return. Many warned that continued neglect could push them deeper into economic hardship and psychological distress.

“If the government really wants us to return, they must help us rebuild our houses properly,” said Shamim Ahmad, another resident. “Otherwise, we will remain stuck here indefinitely.”

However, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Uri, Prince Kumar told Rising Kashmir that land has been identified for the affected residents. “A proposal has been sent to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) for final approval,” he said.

Regarding the construction of houses, he added, “We were informed that an NGO would undertake the construction, but we have not received any confirmation from them so far.”