Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply following India's "Operation Sindoor," a military action targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. In response to India's strikes, the Pakistan Army has been accused of initiating heavy artillery and mortar shelling across the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The shelling has reportedly resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, including schools and a Gurudwara.
Reports indicate that the Pakistani shelling in Poonch has been particularly intense, with residents describing it as the worst they have witnessed since the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Artillery shells have reportedly landed in civilian areas, hitting houses, schools, and a Gurudwara. The Gurdwara, Sri Guru Singh Sabha, sustained structural damage, and three members of the Sikh community were killed. Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, condemned the attack, calling it a blow to humanity.
At least 12 civilians have been reported dead, including four children and three Sikh community members, with dozens more injured. The indiscriminate shelling by Pakistan has created panic among border residents, forcing them to seek refuge in underground bunkers or relocate to safer areas. The shelling has affected various sectors along the LoC in Poonch, including Balakote, Mendhar, Mankote, Krishna Ghati, and Gulpur, damaging numerous houses and vehicles.
In response to the escalating situation, authorities have ordered the closure of schools and colleges in five border districts, including Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch. Airports in cities close to the border, such as Jammu, Srinagar, and Leh, have also suspended operations. The Jammu and Kashmir government has established a hotline to coordinate emergency responses with district administrations and has urged residents in Poonch and Rajouri to remain indoors.
India launched "Operation Sindoor" in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people. India has described its actions as "focused, measured, and non-escalatory," asserting that it targeted terrorist infrastructure and not Pakistani military facilities. However, Pakistan has accused India of committing an "act of war," stating that at least 26 people were killed and 46 others injured in the Indian attacks. Pakistan's Prime Minister has convened a National Security Council meeting to discuss the situation, and the Pakistani military has vowed to retaliate.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions. Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised its citizens to defer all non-essential travel to Pakistan and the Jammu & Kashmir region in India, urging those currently in the area to exercise heightened caution.
The situation remains tense, with both sides accusing the other of violating ceasefire agreements and targeting civilian areas. The potential for further escalation remains high, raising concerns about a wider conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
