Indo-Pak border skirmish taking toll on soldiers’ kin

Dehradun: The recent escalation in terror attacks on the army installations and the subsequent tension on the border with Pakistan is not only keeping the army men on the tenterhooks but also taking a toll on the nerves of their family members, who take a pride in their work, but, at the same time, are always in the grip of “anxiety”.
Rashmi Kaur, a police constable whose husband is posted in Jammu and Kashmir, told TOI: “I am always worried.But, at the same time, I am proud of him-- especially when there is a successful operation. It is difficult, but I try to maintain a positive outlook as it helps. I understand the kind of condition he works in. My two children often ask about their father and feel proud of him.”
Almost all the families that the TOI spoke to maintained that more than the fear they take pride in the work that the soldiers do.
“If they wouldn’t be there guarding the borders, we wouldn’t be here sleeping peacefully. Yes, I worry about my brothers but it is not easy to do what they are doing-- which is risking their lives every day. At times we do not get to speak for weeks but I, and the rest of the family, try to keep calm because we have to be strong,” said Kaseem Hassan of Vikas Nagar, whose two brothers are posted in Kashmir.
Sushila Rawat from Udham Singh Nagar district, whose husband is serving in Kupwara region of JK, said: “I worry but the children and the household chores keep me busy. Whenever I speak with my husband I don’t tell him about my concerns because there is nothing he can do about it. Also, it is my responsibility to support him completely in spite of all the fears and anxieties.”
The infiltration bids by the militants from across the border have seen a surge in the past few months. The attacks on the army bases have also seen in a rise and several soldiers have lost their lives.
Some families of the jawans admit that they follow the policy of “no news is good news”.
Savitri Devi of Rudraprayag told TOI: “Recently, the mobile networks were down in Jammu and Kashmir and I could not speak with my husband for over a month. It was a frightening time, but I kept track on the news. Now, fortunately, phone networks are working again.”