'Dil jan se saath denge': Border villagers in Rajasthan pledge support to Indian Army, demand tough action after Pahalgam attack

Time of India

06-05-2025

'Pakistan has murdered humanity'
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Government takes stern measures post-Pahalgam attack
Civil defence drills ordered Nationwide
In Barmer, Rajasthan, not far from the tense India-Pakistan border, fear has given way to defiance. Following the terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, which killed 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese tourist, villagers in this remote desert district are rallying behind the Indian Army . Their message is clear—if a war comes, they are ready.Mir Hasan, a resident, told ANI, "I have heard about the wars that were held between India and Pakistan. We have not witnessed it. We are all ready to help the country and the Indian army in every possible way in case of war, if needed. Whatever decision is taken by the government, we are standing with them. We are not all scared and standing fearlessly. We will all sacrifice our lives for the country. Dil jan se saath denge. We are all ready for everything."Many echoed that determination. Md Roshan added, "We are all standing firm with the government. The government should teach Pakistan a lesson. Strict action should be taken against Pakistan. If today the war takes place we are with the Army."Their sentiment is not just emotional. It reflects a growing frustration with the repeated terror attacks and the belief that India must now respond more forcefully.Ali Mohammad didn't mince words. In his view, the recent violence crossed all lines. "We believe that whatever the government decides is right. We are with the government. Strict action would be taken against the terrorist. Pakistan has murdered humanity, and it is necessary to teach Pakistan a lesson," he said.Hazi Roshan warned of more attacks if firm steps are not taken. "Strict action should be taken against the terrorist. We are standing with Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. The suspension of the Indus Water Treaty is good and the water should remain in the country. Apne log sukhi rehne chahiye," he said.His words reflect a common concern in the region—if leniency continues, the consequences may be worse. And the call for water security struck a chord with locals facing frequent irrigation issues.India's response to the Pahalgam attack has been swift and wide-ranging. The government placed the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance. This treaty, which governs the distribution of water between India and Pakistan, had remained intact even during past wars. It grants Pakistan access to 80% of the water from the Indus system, while India receives the remaining 20%.However, India's new position is conditional. It will not resume the treaty unless Pakistan permanently ceases its support for cross-border terrorism and shuts down the integrated Attari Check Post.The government has also taken economic measures. A notification from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry confirmed a total ban on the import, export, and transit of goods to and from Pakistan. This includes direct and indirect trade, cutting off a key commercial channel between the two nations.As part of preparations for any possible escalation, the Union Home Ministry has instructed states to carry out mock drills on 7 May. These drills are designed to train civilians—especially students—in basic civil defence practices.The measures include activating air raid warning sirens and familiarising the public with emergency procedures during potential attacks. The move aims to strengthen local preparedness and reinforce national resilience.In Barmer, villagers are not merely calling for action—they want to be part of it. They say their loyalty lies with the country, and they trust the decisions of the Indian government and armed forces.Their voices, rooted in lived experiences and a harsh geography, signal a broader sentiment rising across India—enough is enough. The Pahalgam attack has not only claimed lives but stirred a determination in people far from the site of violence.As tensions rise, the resolve of these villagers may not shift the balance of power—but it tells us where the heart of the nation beats.(With inputs from ANI)