Srinagar, May 7: In a strongly worded statement following escalating tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister on Wednesday accused Pakistan of deliberately targeting civilian populations in response to India’s precision military action against terrorist infrastructure across the border.
Speaking to the media after chairing a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar, the Chief Minister said, “As reports are coming in, Pakistan has gone out of its way to target the civilian population in Jammu and Kashmir. I have reviewed the situation on the ground, and we are closely monitoring and responding as the situation evolves.” He added that, in contrast, the Government of India had exercised deliberate restraint in its response to the Pahalgam massacre, ensuring no harm to civilian or military assets in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
The cross-border strikes, described as focused and proportionate, were carried out by the Indian Armed Forces following the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. The Chief Minister stressed that New Delhi’s response was confined strictly to terrorist camps and avoided any civilian or military targets. “After the barbaric and inhumane killing of innocent civilians in Pahalgam, a strong response was expected. The Indian defence forces, however, ensured that only the perpetrators and their hideouts were targeted,” he noted.
To reinforce administrative readiness along vulnerable stretches of the border, the Chief Minister convened a security preparedness meeting that included key officials such as Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir V. K. Bhiduri. Senior officials from Jammu division participated in the review through video conferencing.
In a post shared on his official X handle, the Chief Minister outlined the focus of the meeting: “Held a meeting to assess the security and preparedness along the border/LoC areas. Emphasis laid on safeguarding civilian lives, strengthening infrastructure, and ensuring swift response to any emerging challenges.” The meeting was conducted in the backdrop of heightened security concerns following Pakistan’s indiscriminate and provocative shelling of civilian areas, which has drawn strong condemnation across party lines.
With an eye on civilian safety, the Chief Minister assured that all necessary measures are being implemented to minimize risk to life and property, particularly in the affected border areas. Emergency response systems, relocation facilities, and medical contingencies are being put in place as a precaution.