12 People, 1 Soldier Killed in Cross-Border Firing by Pakistan in J&K after Operation Sindoor

In a dramatic escalation of cross-border hostilities, at least 12 civilians and one Indian soldier were killed when Pakistani forces unleashed heavy shelling across multiple districts along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir yesterday. The barrage, which injured 51 others, appears to be Pakistan's immediate retaliation for India's "Operation Sindoor" – the missile strikes conducted against terror camps inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) the previous night. 

"We were asleep when it happened. The sound was deafening – like the sky was being torn apart," said Mohammad Aslam, a resident of Mendhar sector in Poonch district, where some of the heaviest shelling occurred. "My neighbor's house took a direct hit. We rushed there to find the walls collapsed and everyone trapped inside." 

Among the civilian casualties were three women and three children between 12 and 14 years old from the Kalaani and Dungus areas, marking this as one of the deadliest days of cross-border violence in recent years.

Impact Across Border Regions 

The Pakistani artillery fire targeted populated areas in four districts – Rajouri and Poonch in the Jammu division, and Kupwara and Baramulla in the Kashmir Valley. Residential areas in Balakote, Mendhar, Mankote, Krishna Ghati, Gulpur, Kerni, and even Poonch town itself bore the brunt of the attack.

In Poonch's Kamakhan area, 47-year-old ex-serviceman Amarjeet Singh died when a mortar shell punched through his roof while he slept, showering him with deadly shrapnel. Local residents reported that Poonch town hadn't experienced such intense shelling since the 1999 Kargil War. 

"This is the first time in more than two decades that shells have landed this deep inside our territory," said Ravinder Singh, a local shopkeeper whose storefront was damaged. "The mortars shattered windows all over town and left holes in vehicles parked on the street. Everyone is terrified."

Hospital sources in Poonch confirmed that the casualty count has been rising steadily since Wednesday morning as more injured civilians continue to arrive for treatment.

Kashmir Valley Also Under Fire

In the Kashmir Valley, nine civilians were wounded in similar attacks targeting Uri in Baramulla district and the Chowkibal and Tangdhar sectors of Kupwara. Approximately twelve structures, including several homes, sustained significant damage.

Eight-year-old Ayan Yunus was among those injured in Uri. His uncle, speaking from the Baramulla Government Medical College where most casualties were transported, described the nighttime attack: "We could only hear enormous explosions and see flashes of light cutting through the darkness. There was nowhere to hide."

Military officials stated that the Indian Army is "responding in a proportionate manner" to the Pakistani aggression, though they declined to provide specific details about retaliatory actions.

Emergency Response Mobilized

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened an urgent meeting with Deputy Commissioners from all border districts via video conference to coordinate the emergency response. During the meeting, Abdullah authorized the immediate release of ₹5 crore to each affected border district and ₹2 crore to each of the other districts in the union territory. 

"These funds will ensure our Deputy Commissioners have adequate resources to manage this crisis and provide immediate relief to affected families," Abdullah said in a statement released after the meeting.

The Chief Minister has also instructed the Health Department to maintain sufficient stocks of essential medicines, ensure adequate medical staffing, and prepare blood supplies in vulnerable areas. Emergency shelters have been established in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and R.S. Pora as authorities brace for the possibility of continued hostilities.

"We're preparing for any eventuality while hoping for de-escalation," said a senior administration official who requested anonymity. "Our priority right now is evacuating civilians from the most vulnerable zones and ensuring proper medical care for the injured." 

Operation Sindoor Aftermath 

The Pakistani shelling comes less than 24 hours after India conducted "Operation Sindoor," which targeted nine terrorist facilities across Pakistan and PoK. Indian officials have stated that the operation specifically targeted camps linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen – militant groups India has long accused Pakistan of harboring. 

The operation was reportedly launched in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. 

As tensions escalate, authorities have canceled flights at 27 across northern India until May 10 as a precautionary measure. Security forces remain on high alert along the entire India-Pakistan border as both nations' militaries have reportedly moved additional assets toward frontier positions.

 

 

 

 

 

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