Life here is not without its blessings. The land is rich and fertile. Farmers grow wheat, rice, corn and mustard. The weather is gentle enough for plums, peaches, pears, apples and many kinds of citrus fruit. Families drink fresh water from springs and wells. Children go to local schools. There is one higher secondary school, one high school and several middle and primary schools. People grow their own food and live healthy lives.
Still, life behind fences has its own troubles.
When the gates close
The biggest problem is medical care. There is no proper hospital here. For serious treatment people must travel to places like Poonch. Distance is not the only problem. The gates shut at 8 in the evening and open only at 6 in the morning. No one is allowed to pass during the night. If someone falls sick or is injured after dark they must wait until morning. For an expecting mother or an elderly patient this delay can be dangerous.
Strict checks every day
In daylight the gates are open but entry and exit are slow. Everyone must show ID. Bags are checked. Vehicles are searched. Non residents need written permission to visit. Even local women who have married outside face trouble when they return home. Traders struggle to move goods like wheat or fruit to the market.
Living under shelling
Because the Prawa Belt lies so close to the LoC it is exposed to cross border shelling. In May 2025 heavy shelling forced people to stay indoors for days. Fields were left unattended and daily routines came to a stop. Even when it is quiet the fear is always there.
Time lost at the gate
Morning hours are crowded at the checkpoint. People on their way to work or school wait in long lines. Every person and every item is checked. This takes time and can make emergencies worse.
What the people want
Residents say the area needs stronger infrastructure. Bunkers could protect families during shelling. Security rules should be flexible during emergencies. There should be a proper health center with trained staff so treatment is available at all times.
The Prawa Belt is a place of beauty and hardship. The people here are patient and resilient. They work their land. They raise their children. They live with rules and risks that many cannot imagine. With better roads, flexible security and good health care the community could thrive without having to fight for every basic need.
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| Author: Samreena Nisar is a 3rd semester student at PG College, Rajouri. |