Patna: Anxiety grips Patnaites as India-Pakistan tensions escalate

PATNA: Patnaites were glued to their television sets on Wednesday after an Indian Air Force aircraft shot down a Pakistani jet that was targeting installations in India. The escalating tension between the two neighbouring countries was indeed the talk of the town.
Ashiana Nagar resident Namita Sinha had been watching different news channels since Wednesday morning.

“We were celebrating the air strikes on Pakistani terror camps at Balakot yesterday, but we are all scared of the prevailing situation today. I hope the growing tension between the two countries does not lead to a war,” Sinha said.

Entrepreneur Arvind Gupta urged Patnaites to avoid believing and spreading fake news on various social media platforms. He said, “This is a serious situation and people should act responsibly. They should not aggravate tension.”

There are many Patnaites who are worried about their families, relatives and friends who reside in border districts.

J D Women’s College student Aaiman told this newspaper that she had constantly been in touch with her brother who lives in Jaisalmer. “Imagine what people in border areas are going through right now. I have been watching TV since morning and did not go to college today,” she said and added she was also keeping tab on social media.

S K Puri resident Vidya Manikant looked concerned about the condition of people residing in Jammu and Kashmir where high alert has been issued. She said, “A friend of mine resides in Kashmir with her parents and is living in constant fear.”

Rajiv Nagar resident Naman Kumar’s social media handles are flooded with India-Pakistan news updates and he cannot skip them. “Whether it is a tea shop or a dinner table, the talk of the town is the India-Pak tension,” he claimed.

There were others who asked the government to keep in mind the damage that is being done because of the tension between the two countries. Abhilash Anand, a student, said, “I wonder which news channel I should watch as most of them are encouraging war. The government should take stern action against the terrorist groups, but also keep in mind that there are no casualties.”