A house and a vehicle is seen completely destroyed in a Poonch village after Pakistani cross-LoC shelling. (Photo: X/@Mohd_B_A)
Jammu/New Delhi: In a severe escalation of cross-border tensions, Pakistani forces have unleashed heavy artillery and mortar shelling across the line of control (LoC), targeting civilian areas in Jammu & Kashmir. This intense bombardment comes in the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor – a series of precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The Pakistani action has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread panic among border residents.
Widespread Impact Across LoC
The Pakistani retaliation has been widespread and indiscriminate, affecting several sectors along the LoC. The Poonch district has borne the brunt of the Pakistani shelling, with numerous villages and towns facing heavy bombardment. Areas in Rajouri, south of Poonch, have also reported significant shelling. Further north, the Kupwara sector, including areas like Tangdhar and Karnah, has been targeted. Uri in Baramulla District has also experienced intense shelling.
The Pakistani forces have targeted civilian populations, resulting in substantial damage to residential areas and infrastructure. Villages, such as Mankote, Mendhar, Balakote, Dhaki, forward areas of Poonch city, and villages near Uri have been severely affected. Reports indicate that several houses have been completely destroyed, and many others have sustained significant damage. Public infrastructure, including schools, religious places, and community centres, has also been hit.
Human Toll Rising
The heavy shelling has resulted in several loss of life and injuries among Indian civilians and security personnel. Initial reports confirm that at least 15 civilians have been confirmed dead, including women and children. The number is expected to rise as more reports come in from remote areas.
Dozens of civilians have sustained injuries, many of them serious. Hospitals in the affected areas are struggling to cope with the influx of casualties. One Indian Army soldier, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, has been confirmed killed in the shelling, with several other security personnel also injured.
The Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Poonch has been damaged by the shelling, adding religious sites to the list of civilian infrastructure targeted. Economic repercussions have already begun, with reports of a decline in the Pakistan stock market.
The indiscriminate nature of the Pakistani shelling, deliberately targeting civilian areas, has been widely condemned across India.
Government Response
The government has initiated the evacuation of civilians from the worst-affected border areas. Relief camps have been set up to provide shelter and essential supplies to those displaced by the shelling. The home minister, Amit Shah, has directed state authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.
The Army is retaliating to the Pakistani shelling with – what it said – “appropriate measures”. Defence officials have stated that Indian forces are targeting Pakistani posts involved in the cross-border firing.
There has been widespread condemnation of Pakistan’s actions across India’s political spectrum. Leaders from various parties have called for a strong response to protect the citizens. Several countries, including Russia and Singapore, have expressed concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. They have urged both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue.
In response to the heightened tensions, Pakistan has reportedly closed its airspace, while India has also seen flight cancellations. Security has been heightened in several states bordering Pakistan. Authorities are on high alert to prevent any further escalation of violence, with blackout drills being conducted in vulnerable areas.
The situation along the India-Pakistan border remains extremely tense with shelling from across the border still going on with Indian forces retaliating in full force.
