Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following India's "Operation Sindoor," leading to a tragic loss of civilian lives in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) due to Pakistani shelling. At least 13 people, including four children and a soldier, have been killed, with over 50 others injured as a result of intense artillery and mortar shelling by the Pakistan Army targeting forward villages along the Line of Control (LoC).
The recent cross-border firing comes a day after the Indian armed forces conducted "Operation Sindoor," targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Indian forces carried out 24 precision missile strikes on nine terror bases, reportedly strongholds of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). The operation, which lasted for 25 minutes, aimed to degrade the operational capability of these outfits.
Pakistani troops have reportedly engaged in unprovoked firing across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor, marking the 14th consecutive day of ceasefire violations. Civilian areas in the Karnah area were targeted with shells and mortars. The Indian Army has responded proportionately to the firing.
The shelling has caused significant damage to civilian property, with reports of houses, vehicles, and buildings destroyed, including a Gurdwara in Poonch. Three Sikh men were killed when an artillery shell hit the Gurdwara and adjoining houses. Hundreds of residents have been forced to take refuge in underground bunkers or move to safer locations.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from various parties. Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal condemned the attack on the Gurdwara, expressing grief over the loss of innocent lives. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini paid tribute to Dinesh Kumar Sharma, the soldier killed in the cross-border firing.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Indian government has convened an all-party meeting to brief political parties on "Operation Sindoor" and the current situation. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered a message to the world after Operation Sindoor. Amid the tensions, 21 airports in northern parts of India were shut until May 10.
