New Delhi: On Wednesday, Pakistani forces launched a barrage of heavy artillery and mortar shells targeting villages along the volatile Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. This resulted in the catastrophic deaths of at least thirteen souls, including four innocents and a brave soldier, while injuring fifty-seven others. The assault, one of the bloodiest in recent memory, followed Indian Army missile strikes on nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This was part of the daring mission “Operation Sindoor”.
The shelling wrought havoc, damaging homes, vehicles and even a sacred gurdwara and forcing hundreds of terrified residents to scurry underground or flee to safer places. The hardest-hit areas include the regions of Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla and Kupwara, where fear gripped the border communities with an icy fist. Indian forces responded vigorously, destroying several Pakistani posts and causing casualties, according to reports from the frontlines.
Pocket Bore from the Bloom of Assault
Poonch district reported the highest death toll, with at least thirteen lives lost alongside forty-two injuries, two of which were critical. The villages of Balakot, Mendhar, Mankot, Krishna Ghati, Gulpur, and even the district headquarters of Poonch echoed shelling sounds. Dozens of homes and vehicles lie in ruins, with Poonch’s main bus station also damaged. A mortar shell struck a gurdwara in Poonch town, snuffing out the lives of three Sikh souls, identified as Amrik Singh, Amarjeet Singh and Ranjit Singh.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal condemned the attack on the Central Gurdwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Poonch. He called it an “inhumane” act in a social media post. The intermittent shelling disrupted rescue efforts, making it difficult for locals to transport the injured to hospitals for care.
Casualties Across Border Districts
In Baramulla’s Uri sector, cross-border artillery fire wounded ten, including five children with injuries. Rajouri saw three hurt, while in Karnah, in the Kupwara sector, multiple homes caught fire from shelling. Among the dead were Balwinder Kaur (33), Mohammad Jain Khan (10), Zoya Khan (12), Mohammad Akram (40), Mohammad Iqbal (45), Shakila Bi (40), Mariyam Khatoon (7), Vihan Bhargav (13), Mohammad Rafi (40), and Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar from the 5 FD Regiment of White Knight Corps.
The violence marked the 13th consecutive night of unprovoked firing along the LoC. This escalated tensions after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 civilians. Wednesday’s shelling represented the most serious violation since the ceasefire deal between India and Pakistan was renewed on February 25, 2021.
The Indian Army’s Strong Retaliation
A defence spokesperson reported that Pakistani forces initiated artillery bombardment on Indian posts along the LoC and International Border during May 6-7. Indian troops responded forcefully, destroying multiple enemy positions and inflicting serious losses, according to military sources. The Indian Army’s counterattack was portrayed as a direct response to Pakistan’s aggression.
Humanitarian Response Amid Crisis
The relentless shelling prompted authorities to close schools and colleges in five Jammu border districts. In a show of unity, Congress MLA Iftikhar Ahmed from Rajouri visited wounded victims at GMC Hospital and organised a blood drive. He urged locals to contribute medical aid. “The nation comes before all else, and we must unite to face any challenge,” Ahmed said, reaffirming the region’s resolve in the face of adversity.
GMC Rajouri’s esteemed principal, Dr Amarjeet Singh Bhattia, assured that their hospital stands fully equipped to accommodate any surge in patients. This is done with all essential provisions and preparations in place. Across Poonch, the local administration has arranged nine expansive relief camps offering citizens from frontline hamlets ready refuge if they desire relocation.
Reminiscences of Past Destruction
Liyakat Ali, a lifelong resident of Jorion village adjacent to the International Border, stated that while his community was spared this time, locals were prompted to depart for an ITI college in RS Pura, where accommodations had been made available by government order. Ali recounted prior bombardments by Pakistani forces that left his village little more than ashes. This was a harrowing symbol of the recurrent trauma faced by communities along the boundary.
Setting of mounting tension
The Pakistani offensive emerged shortly after precise Indian missile strikes on terrorist bases within Pakistan and Pakistani-occupied Kashmir, in response to the Pahalgam attack. Cross-border artillery exchanges have intensified tensions, disrupting the fragile ceasefire and plunging residents along the front into dread and uncertainty.
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