Dharamshala: The recently announced ceasefire between India and Pakistan has sparked a wave of contrasting reactions nationwide.
While many citizens have welcomed the move as a step toward peace, others, particularly in conflict-affected regions like Shahpur in Himachal Pradesh, are voicing discomfort over the political narratives that swiftly followed the announcement.
In Shahpur, the hometown of Subedar Major Pawan Kumar Jaryal, who was martyred during the hostilities, the ceasefire has not brought closure. Instead, it has triggered frustration over what locals perceive as a politicisation of national sacrifice.
“People come to pay homage to martyrs, but the next moment they start engaging in political tactics,” said a family member of Jaryal, requesting anonymity. “They forget that families have their loved ones on the borders. This isn’t the time for political scoring.”
The sentiment resonates across the community. “It’s disheartening to see political parties use such a sensitive time to push their agendas,” said Rahul Sondhi, a local entrepreneur. “We should be focusing on supporting our soldiers and their families, not promoting leaders through selective messaging.”
Shivali Kumari, a schoolteacher, said, “The sacrifice of our soldiers should be remembered with dignity, not overshadowed by political narratives. This is a time for unity, not division.”
Sanjana Kumari, a homemaker, echoed the concern: “While peace is always welcome, the timing and the political optics around the ceasefire make it feel insincere. We need to be focused on healing and truly honoring those we’ve lost.”
Amidst the emotional and political debate, another layer of complexity has emerged — questions around who truly benefits from conflict. While soldiers and their families bear the human cost, it is often global arms manufacturers and defense contractors who profit.
According to defence industry reports, companies such as BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin posted record earnings during 2023, driven by heightened military spending linked to ongoing global tensions.
These realities have not gone unnoticed by thoughtful citizens. As the nation processes the ceasefire, the challenge lies in balancing political discourse with respectful remembrance and recognising the broader economic forces at play in any prolonged conflict.
The people of Shahpur, still mourning their son, hope that peace is not just a diplomatic announcement but a sincere, lasting commitment —one that honours the sacrifices made and prioritises humanity over politics or profit.
S Gopal Puri
