Jammu/Srinagar, May 7 – In one of the deadliest escalations in recent years, at least 13 civilians, including four children and a soldier, lost their lives while 57 others were injured as Pakistan Army launched indiscriminate and heavy artillery and mortar shelling on civilian areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack followed India’s precision missile strikes on terror hideouts across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the Pahalgam massacre on April 22.
Poonch district in Jammu region was the worst affected, accounting for all 13 deaths, while intense shelling was also reported from Rajouri, Baramulla, and Kupwara districts. Panic gripped residents as homes, religious structures, vehicles, and public buildings were damaged in the relentless bombardment. In several areas, people were forced to take shelter in underground bunkers or flee to safer government-designated camps.
The scale and intensity of the shelling are being described as unprecedented since the ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan was reaffirmed on February 25, 2021. Officials reported that the Indian Army responded robustly, destroying several Pakistani posts and inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy side.
Among the tragic losses was the death of three Sikh men when an artillery shell struck the revered Central Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Poonch. The incident triggered widespread outrage and condemnation, especially from Punjab-based religious and political leaders. Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal termed the attack as an “inhuman assault on sanctity and humanity.”
The deceased in the deadly cross-border shelling have been identified as Balvinder Kour alias Ruby (33), Mohd Zain Khan (10), his sister Zoya Khan (12), Mohd Akram (40), Amrik Singh (55), Mohd Iqbal (45), Ranjeet Singh (48), Shakeela Bi (40), Amarjeet Singh (47), Maryam Khatoon (7), Vihaan Bhargav (13), Mohd Rafi (40), and a Lance Naik of the Indian Army whose name has been withheld.
Authorities reported that shelling continued intermittently throughout the day, primarily focusing on the Poonch sector. Many victims sustained injuries while attempting to evacuate under fire. Even Poonch bus stand was hit, damaging several vehicles and adding to the widespread fear and destruction.
In Uri sector of Baramulla, ten people, including five children, were injured, while in Karnah sector of Kupwara, multiple homes caught fire due to shelling. Rajouri district reported three injuries as well.
In a humanitarian gesture, Rajouri Congress MLA Iftkhar Ahmed visited the injured at GMC Hospital Rajouri and donated blood along with his supporters. He appealed to the public to join hands in donating blood and supporting the injured. “Nation comes first. We are ready to face all sacrifices for our sovereignty and integrity,” Ahmed said.
Principal of GMC Rajouri, Dr. Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, assured that the hospital is fully prepared with all medical arrangements to handle the crisis. Meanwhile, local administration in Poonch has set up nine relief shelters equipped with food, bedding, and medical supplies for displaced residents from forward villages.
Residents in other border belts, like Jorian in R S Pura sector, have also been asked to relocate as a precautionary measure. Liaqat Ali, a local from Jorian, recalled past tragedies when his village was burned down in earlier shelling episodes.
The cross-border shelling erupted hours after India carried out “precision missile strikes” on nine terror launch pads across the LoC, eliminating several strategic bases of terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. This decisive operation, termed as a continuation of “Operation Sindoor,” was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 innocent lives, including women and children.
Army sources revealed that Pakistan’s desperate shelling spree is an attempt to retaliate and divert attention from its losses. However, India’s armed forces remain vigilant and are giving a “proportionate and fitting reply” to all provocations.
In the wake of the shelling, authorities ordered the closure of schools and colleges in five border districts of the Jammu region to ensure civilian safety. Emergency services, mobile hospitals, and blood donation drives have been activated, as security forces remain on the highest alert.
The situation remains tense across the LoC and the International Border, with fears of further escalation. However, officials have urged the public to remain calm, follow safety advisories, and cooperate with local administration during evacuations and relief operations.