Poonch, J&K | May 7, 2025
Tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) flared once again early Tuesday morning as Pakistani forces resorted to intense shelling in multiple sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, leading to civilian injuries and significant damage to residential areas.
One of the most heart-wrenching incidents occurred in the Mankote area of Poonch district, where a mortar shell fired from across the border struck a civilian home. A 35-year-old woman sustained fatal injuries in the blast, while her 13-year-old daughter was left wounded and traumatized. The girl has been rushed to a nearby hospital and is reportedly in stable condition.
Local residents said the shelling began around 4:30 AM and continued for nearly two hours, forcing many families to take shelter in underground bunkers. “We woke up to the sound of explosions. Our windows shattered, and we could see smoke rising from neighboring houses,” said Shabbir Ahmed, a resident of the village.
Meanwhile, in the Uri sector of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, several other civilians were injured and multiple homes were damaged as heavy artillery and mortar fire rained down from the Pakistani side.
The Indian Army responded swiftly and effectively to the unprovoked ceasefire violations, targeting Pakistani forward posts believed to be involved in initiating the fire. Defense officials confirmed that Indian troops are on high alert and have been directed to maintain strong retaliatory posture.
This fresh escalation comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a multi-force offensive launched by India last week to dismantle terror infrastructure across the border in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistani forces have since intensified their activities along the LoC, with Tuesday’s shelling marking the 13th straight day of ceasefire violations.
Authorities have advised civilians in the affected border areas to remain indoors and make use of community bunkers. Emergency services are on standby, and relief teams have been deployed to provide assistance to the displaced and injured.
As cross-border hostilities continue to rise, calls for restraint and diplomatic engagement are growing internationally. However, on the ground, the human toll of the conflict is becoming increasingly visible, especially among innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
