The agreement between India and Pakistan to cease firing along the Line of Control (LoC) has brought happiness among residents of border areas in the Uri sector in J&K’s Baramulla as they can now lead their normal lives. “We are very happy that the Commanders from both sides have agreed to observe the ceasefire in a meeting. Cross-border firings cause big problems in the lives of people living along the border. We used to face all kinds of troubles and difficulties. We are thankful to the government for this step. Now, we can live in peace,” said Abdul Razzak, a border resident. The residents in the border areas of Nabila village, along the LoC, in Uri sector are hoping for peace after India and Pakistan reiterated commitment for a ceasefire on borders. Another resident of the border area, Farid Khan said, “I am a resident of Nabila. The ceasefire observance decision has brought great relief to all of us living along the border. Our children could not go to school earlier. We had to face difficulties in our daily life. I want to thank both Indian and Pakistani the government for the move.” Ceasefire violations, cross-LoC firings and shelling are the biggest hurdle in the lives of people living near border areas of the Uri sector in Baramulla. Firing and shelling only bring pain for civilians living along LoC. Now, they are hoping that their problems will be solved after the ceasefire agreement. The Uri sector witnessed a spurt in ceasefire violations during the last year. More than 12 people, including soldiers, were killed in more than 36 ceasefire violations while hundreds of structures suffered damage. The most deadly ceasefire violation took place on November 13 last year in Kamalkote, when four civilians and two soldiers were killed while a civilian had lost both his legs. The incident caused massive damage to the property as well, forcing locals to flee temporarily from the area. Speaking to ANI, the Sarpanch of Nabila Village, Shahid-ul-Islam said, “Earlier due to mortar shelling, we had to face many problems. Our children also had difficulties going to school. We couldn't even take out our cattle to pastures. First of all I especially want to thank the Indian government for taking the initiative for this great step,” he added. Border residents of Nabila Village of Uri thanked prime ministers of both the countries for taking this step. Earlier on February 25, after discussions between the Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan, the two sides have to cease firing along the LoC and all other sectors with effect from midnight of February 24 to 25.