Pummeled frequently by shelling from Pakistan, three north Kashmir villages along the LoC in Kupwara district that remained cut-off for six months due to heavy snow and left its roughly 14,000 residents to lead dark and dreary lives for decades will light up for the first time since independence. Last week, a two-year project of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) to electrify the region drew to a close with the installation of a 33 kilovolt line and a receiving station to carry electricity to the villages of Keran, Mundian and Patruu. Keran is a mere 500 metres away from the Line of Control. Under the project, 979 utility poles have been installed.