Escaping Conflict: Life in Poonch
Evading authorities: Details on the fugitive's escape and current status. - Fugitive in Evasion: Individual Accused of Crimes Evading Capture
Raw and Real* Poonch* Pakistan
Poonch's story is woven with rich mythology and a fascinating past, with stirring tales of connection to legendary figures like Lord Rama and the Pandavas. Known as Dravabhisar during Alexander the Great's invasion in 326 BC, it became an independent state by the 9th century AD.
The region found itself under the control of the Sikh Empire in the 19th century and later became a jagir (a type of feudal land grant) under the Dogra rulers of Jammu and Kashmir until the 1940s. But the Poonch we recognize today took shape after the tumultuous Indo-Pakistani conflict of 1947–48.
This momentous event resulted in the partition of the original Poonch district, with the western portion becoming part of Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the eastern part remaining under Indian administration as part of Jammu and Kashmir state.
In 1949, a UN-brokered ceasefire established a demarcation line dividing Kashmir between India and Pakistan, which eventually evolved into the Line of Control (LoC). Poonch resides in close proximity to this militarized border, infamously serving as a flashpoint for conflicts between the two nations.
Under Pakistan's rule, the Poonch region comprises several districts, including Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, and Sudhanoti. Though the area suffers from ongoing military and political tensions due to its location on the LoC, it remains densely populated. Residents have endured tragic losses, with regular cross-border shelling and skirmishes leading to civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure such as Sikh temples, Islamic schools, and homes.
The latest flare-ups have prompted retaliatory artillery and missile attacks between India and Pakistan, with distressingly high casualties in Poonch on the Indian side. Despite the turmoil, the region continues to thrive with several administrative divisions.
Locals in the region vocalize their frustrations over the continuous fighting, asserting that it is the civilians who bear the brunt of the conflict, and calling for a peaceful resolution. Comparatively, the region has a tumultuous yet vivid existence, remaining rooted in its historical significance while facing persistent challenges from the border conflicts.
- Despite being under Pakistan's rule, Poonch, a region encompassing districts like Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, and Sudhanoti, has endured ongoing military and political tensions due to its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC).
- The Poonch district, known for its rich history and mythological connections, was partitioned in 1947–48, with the western portion becoming part of Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the eastern part remaining under Indian administration.
- In sports news, a notable hockey team from Poonch, on the run due to the ongoing conflicts, has found temporary shelter in a neighboring city, hoping to return to their home pitch one day.
- In contrast to its turbulent border conflicts, Poonch continues to be densely populated, with residents living through tragic losses, regular cross-border shelling, and extensive damage to infrastructure such as Sikh temples, Islamic schools, and homes.
