India-Pakistan Clashes Spur Food Stockpiling, Bunker Evacuations
The escalating conflict between India and Pakistan, now in its third day, has driven residents near the border to stockpile essentials and seek refuge in bunkers per Reuters, as drone and artillery exchanges mark the worst violence between the nuclear-armed nations in nearly three decades.
The clashes began Wednesday when India targeted alleged "terrorist camps" in Pakistan, retaliating for a deadly attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir last month.
Both countries have since traded accusations of launching fresh attacks, heightening fears among border communities.
Fleeing Under Fire
In India’s Punjab state, Amanpreet Dhillon, 26, from a village 13 km from the Pakistan border, expressed concern: "I am also contemplating it... I'm afraid my village could be next."
In Indian-administered Kashmir’s Uri district, shelling forced residents to flee overnight.
"We have never seen such intense shelling in our life. The majority of the people fled the town and other villages as soon as shelling started last night with some taking shelter in underground bunkers," said Bashir Ahmad, 45, from Baramulla. "It was a nightmare for us."
In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, over 400 people were evacuated near the Line of Control.
"Ever since the attack in Muzaffarabad, we have been living in our bunker, which we carved into a nearby rocky mountain," said Manzoor Ahmed, 43, from Jura Bandi village.
Stockpiling Amid Uncertainty
In Lahore, Pakistan, Aroosha Rameez, 34, prepared for shortages: "I have stocked grocery for a month: we got meat, flour, tea, oil lentils etc and also drew extra cash from bank."
Pharmacist Muhammad Asif, 35, noted rising demand:
People in Lahore have started stocking medicines as well, which may lead to shortages of paracetamol, anti-allergies, antibiotics, blood pressure and diabetes medicines
Muhammad Asif.
In Amritsar, India, Pankaj Seth justified stockpiling: "We do not know if the markets will open tomorrow or not...I have children and grandchildren at home so I have to stock up."
Authorities in both nations urged against panic buying, with India’s Consumer Affairs minister assuring, "We currently have stocks many times higher than the normal requirement — whether it is rice, wheat, or pulses... There is absolutely no shortage."
As violence continues, residents brace for an uncertain future, prioritizing safety and preparedness.