In the Neelum Valley of Pakistan administered Kashmir, the residents are hell bent on continuing their regularity and not let the looming threat of war affect one of their happiest occasions in life. 

Eighteen year old Rabia Bibi, adorned with a glittering red dupatta, bejewelled headpiece and gold bangles was in no way going to let her wedding day get affected by the soaring tensions between India and Pakistan. She said, “In our childhood the situation was also like this but we are not afraid. Nor will we be. We want peace, so our life does not get affected”

Residents of the Neelum Valley with Indian territory on the other side of the river have been strongly urged by the Pakistani authorities to stay vigilant in case of a possible attack or military confrontation. Yet, in the valley, life has continued to go on even as schools shut down and emergency drills are conducted; people are holding wedding ceremonies, celebrating life and what not and advocating for peace.

In another village, mechanical engineer Shoaib Akhtar was also getting married.

“This is the happiest occasion of our lives, and we will not let anything ruin it,” said the 25-year-old groom surrounded by family. “Right now, I am getting married and that is what matters most. If war comes, we will deal with it when it happens,” he added.

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