For many in Kerala, the recent hostilities along the India–Pakistan border may seem like just another breaking news story flashing across television screens. But for Jini, a homemaker from Kerala who had spent the last 18 months in Jammu, the fear was visceral and personal.
Residing at the Indian Air Force residential quarters with her husband Simon, a flight engineer, along with their young daughter Jewel and Simon’s mother Jenova, Jini witnessed first-hand the terrifying reality of cross-border shelling.
“Around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, we saw continuous firing right above our residence,” Jini said over the phone from New Delhi, where they took shelter. “It occurred twice, in 10-minute gaps, and lasted nearly two hours. We were petrified.”
The shelling triggered a complete power outage across the Jammu region. Concerned for their safety, the family chose to leave the area temporarily, hoping to return once stability is restored.
Jini, along with her daughter and mother-in-law, travelled by train to New Delhi, where they reached Kerala House, a state-run assistance centre for stranded citizens, students, and tourists.
Their final destination is their native Alappuzha, where they plan to stay until conditions improve. Jewel’s schooling has been put on hold for now, but the family is prioritising safety over routine.
“We just want lasting peace,” Jini said. “We left everything behind, but we’re grateful we’re safe.”
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