But when the guns really boom, even a mention of the word "shelling" brings instant silence over the group of apparently happy-go-lucky kids conning mathematical tables by the rote in this township of Minji, 15 km from Kargil. Recently, a bunch of kids playing among a clump of trees just outside the town were shocked to see a couple of Pakistani shells landing among the trees. Ever since, the kids have not come out of their houses.

These kids, along with their families, were forced out of the cosy confines of their homes in Drass, Kargil, Baroo, Chanigond, Apati and Tomail towns in Kargil sector by heavy Pakistani shelling and have taken refuge in this small township.

Minji has a population of 12,000. But with the migrants pouring in, the population has resin toover 15,000. The migrants registered with the authorities, seven kg of rice, four kg flour, five litres of kerosene and Rs 200 per head per month is given as Government assistance.

As for Minji residents, they have been trying very hard to make their displaced brethren as comfortable as possible. "All Minji residents have spared at least one room in their houses for us and refuse to take any rent. They also help us with fuel wood, water and even vegetables," a choking Zarina Khanum, a migrant, says with tears of gratitude and appreciation.