Srinagar, May 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Sunday welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, describing it as a much-needed step towards de-escalating tensions and restoring peace along the borders.
In a statement, the National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said, “This ceasefire is a much-needed respite for thousands of families residing in border areas who have lived under the shadow of shelling, displacement, and trauma for past several days. Most importantly, it rekindles hope among students and youth who have been the silent sufferers of intermittent violence and instability.”
He said that, “For students living in the border belts of Jammu and Kashmir, the ceasefire brings not only physical safety but also psychological relief. Many young students in these regions have had their education interrupted, dreams deferred, and ambitions limited due to the recent escalation. Schools turning into bunkers, examinations disrupted by fear of shelling, and the lack of stable internet or electricity have been harsh realities. This ceasefire offers them a fresh chance to focus on learning, growth, and building a dignified future.”
In every conflict or war-like situation, students are often the silent victims, their education disrupted, dreams deferred, and mental well-being severely affected. During the recent hostilities, hundreds of students from Jammu and Kashmir were unable to appear for important national and university-level examinations due to the persistent closure of the airport and the fear associated with road travel, he said.
The constant echoes of explosions and uncertainty created an environment of anxiety and stress, making it immensely difficult for students to focus on their studies. We sincerely hope that this ceasefire marks a new beginning, one that fosters peace, stability, and a conducive atmosphere for learning.
Emphasizing the broader impact, he said, “We see this agreement as a gateway to a more peaceful and enabling environment. We sincerely hope that both India and Pakistan will move beyond symbolic gestures and adopt measures that institutionalize peace through sustained dialogue and people-centric policies.”
He asserted, “Peace must not remain confined to diplomatic announcements alone. It must translate into real change on the ground, better access to education, uninterrupted schooling, trauma healing, and development that empowers the next generation. Border children and students deserve books, classrooms, and opportunities not bunkers and sirens.”
He noted that, “Had this been announced a few days earlier, several lives could have been saved. While we cannot bring back those who lost their lives, we hope that airports can now be reopened quickly and civil flights can resume, enabling students to return to universities and colleges to appear for their exams.”
Khuehami added that, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially those residing in border areas, have long borne the brunt of hostilities, often paying with their lives, property, and psychological well-being. “The ceasefire brings much-needed relief to innocent civilians who have been living in constant fear and uncertainty due to frequent cross-border shelling,”