Younis General Store

In Galander Pampore, the pace of life is a bit different than the big cities. We are out here in Pulwama and the air is much cooler, especially in the winter months. Younis General Store is just a local spot where people from the village come to get their daily essentials. I keep the stove going in the back when it gets really cold so the shop stays decent for anyone who walks in. We sell things like tea, salt, kerosene, and basic hardware items that people might need for their homes. The road outside can get muddy when it snows or rains, so I’m always trying to keep the entrance clean. I don’t have a lot of help, so I do the stocking and the cleaning myself. People come in and we talk for a long time over a cup of Kahwa. It’s not just about buying things; it’s where people catch up on what’s happening in the area. The shelves are made of old wood and they groan a bit under the weight of the jars. I’ve been in this spot for a long time and I know the history of almost every house nearby. Life here is quiet and the shop is a big part of my day. I close up when it gets dark and the mountains start to fade into the shadows. It’s a simple existence and I wouldn't have it any other way.