​In Pictures: J&K's Poonch begins gradual return to normalcy as locals start returning

Displaced border residents started returning to Salotri, the last village near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch, following a recent understanding between India and Pakistan that eased days of heightened tension. (Image: ANI)

Poonch was among the worst affected districts in Pakistan shelling accounting for maximum civilians fatalities. The district was hit by Pakistani army. Dozens of houses and vehicles were damaged in the attack. (Image: PTI)

Shops were closed and the area was deserted after heavy firing and shelling by Pakistan military. The J&K admin ensured the evacuation of a large number of border residents, relocating them in community bunkers or government buildings until the border is safe. (Image: PTI)

After the attack and increasing threats to the lives of locals, people started shifting to safer places like schools and halls. The local authorities assured that border districts are connected 24x7 to the integrated control room to coordinate evacuation, emergency response, blackouts, medical assistance and maintenance of essential supplies and services. (Image: PTI)

Villagers resumed work as life slowly returned to normal. (Image: ANI)

Romeo Force, an unit of the army carried out a door-to-door assistance drive in Poonch. They provided essential supplies, including medicines and rations to all the affected inhabitants. (Image: ANI)

Several political leaders came forward expressing their condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the recent Pakistani shelling. On 14 May, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti along with party leaders visited the house of Balwinder Kaur, 33, who tragically lost her life in the incident. (Image: PTI)

On 12 May, J&K CM Omar Abdullah had an extensive tour of the Poonch to assess the ground situation in the aftermath of the recent cross-border shelling and assured full support to the victims. He met the family of Amrik Singh who died in the shelling. Following the attack, he said, "War is never fair." (Image: ANI)

Even after residents returned to Poonch following the tragic shelling on May 7, the aftermath remained clearly visible. Locals pointed to debris from artillery shells recovered in the area as evidence of the destruction. (Image: ANI)