Love Over War: Kashmir Couples Wed Despite War Tensions

Weddings Go On Despite Threat of War

In Pakistan-administered Kashmir’s Neelum Valley, life carries on even as tensions with India escalate. Rabia Bibi, 18, married Chaudhry Junaid, 23, despite warnings of possible conflict. Dressed in traditional attire, the couple took part in the full range of wedding customs. “The situation was like this when we were children too,” Bibi said.

“We are not afraid.”

The groom, a chef, said they refused to cancel any part of the celebration. “People are anxious, but we’re continuing our traditions,” he said.

Their wedding took place amid a military build-up and growing fears of renewed clashes between the two nuclear-armed countries, triggered by a deadly April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. India blamed Pakistan-based militants, prompting cross-border military activity and heightened security alerts.

Military Buildup Grows Along the Border

In response to the attack, India launched air and artillery strikes on alleged militant sites along the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan retaliated by shooting down Indian aircraft, with both sides confirming casualties and damage. The threat of further escalation remains high, and international actors have urged restraint.

Despite the violence, Kashmiris on both sides of the border carry on with daily life. In villages close to the LoC, emergency drills have become routine, and schools have shut down. Residents have been told to stock up on essentials, with some moving to safer areas.

Weddings Offer Momentary Relief from Uncertainty

In another Neelum Valley village, 25-year-old mechanical engineer Shoaib Akhtar marked his wedding day as the most joyful moment of his life.
“If war comes, we’ll deal with it later,” he said.

For many in the region, these celebrations are a way to assert normalcy. “We want peace, so our lives aren’t disrupted,” said Bibi. But she also expressed readiness to face whatever comes next: “We stand firm and won’t give in.”

Conflict Overshadows Civilian Lives

India and Pakistan have engaged in several armed conflicts over Kashmir since gaining independence in 1947. Each flare-up leaves civilians vulnerable, especially in areas near the LoC. The current tensions have revived memories of past conflicts, including the Kargil War in 1999 and the Pulwama bombing in 2019.

As the military standoff continues, ordinary people—especially in border villages—bear the brunt. In both Indian and Pakistani-administered Kashmir, fear is high. Still, some refuse to let it dictate their lives.

A Symbol of Resilience

These weddings offer more than personal joy—they are a quiet form of resistance. While soldiers trade fire across the border, families gather to mark new beginnings. Amid deep uncertainty, the choice to celebrate sends a clear message: life goes on.

Though overshadowed by conflict, these events reveal how people find strength and purpose amid unrest. The contrast between military operations and wedding songs speaks to the resilience of those living in conflict zones. For them, the future remains uncertain—but today, they choose love.