At least 10 civilians killed and 41 injured on Wednesday, after heavy firing by the Pakistan Army along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, officials confirmed. The attack took place after India Forces conducted missile attack on nine Terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) (Operation Sindoor).
The worst-affected area was Poonch district, where all Ten deaths were reported. Among the deceased were women and children, including 10-year-old Mohammed Jain Khan and his 12-year-old sister Zoya Khan. A total of 28 people injured in Poonch, several of whom are in critical condition.
The Pakistani firing also caused chaos in nearby areas such as Balakote, Mendhar, Krishna Ghati, Gulpur, Kerni, and even near the Poonch district headquarters. Dozens of homes damaged, and many caught fire, especially in the Karnah sector of Kupwara district. Residents forced to take shelter in underground bunkers or flee to safer areas.
In Baramulla district’s Uri sector, 10 people, including five children injured, while three others hurt in Rajouri district.
Indian Army sources stated that the military responded with strong retaliation, destroying multiple Pakistani posts and inflicting heavy damage. Cross-border firing was still ongoing in several sectors, including Poonch, as of the last report.
The Indian Army accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire agreement during the night of May 6 and 7 by opening indiscriminate artillery fire along the LoC and International Border. In response, Indian forces launched targeted strikes and returned fire.
Schools Closed in Five Border Districts of Jammu and Kashmir Amid Ongoing Tension
Due to the tense situation, authorities have ordered the closure of all schools and colleges in five border districts—Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch—for safety reasons.
The Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) posted on social media platform X, stating, “Pakistan has once again violated the ceasefire agreement by firing in Bhimber Gali of the Poonch-Rajouri area. The Indian Army is responding appropriately.”
This is one of the deadliest flare-ups since the ceasefire agreement was renewed between India and Pakistan on February 25, 2021.
