Srinagar, May 13 -- At first light, Abdul Rahman Khan, 58, packed his belongings and started his return journey home.

Hailing from Uri's Madhan, Khan was among hundreds who fled Pakistan's shelling and stayed at different shelter camps across Baramula. Khan and his family has been putting up at the Government's Women's College, Baramulla, to escape shelling.

Since India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire, Khan decided to return with a prayer for lasting peace on his lips. "It was indeed a testing time for us. We are now returning home as police have assured us of the successful demolition of unexploded shells," he said.

Khan, who is heading a group of villagers, has returned to their villages, carrying bundles of belongings, memories o...