Cross-Border Shelling in J&K’s Poonch Claims 15 Civilian Lives, Dozens Injured Following Indian Military Strikes
At least 15 civilians, including several children, lost their lives and 43 others sustained injuries in intense cross-border shelling by Pakistani forces in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The shelling occurred in the early hours of May 7, shortly after the Indian Armed Forces launched “Operation Sindoor” targeting terror infrastructure across the border.
Indian defence officials reported that Pakistan initiated unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border, using heavy artillery and mortar shells. The Indian Army responded with “proportionate and calibrated” retaliation, reportedly inflicting significant damage to multiple Pakistani posts.
Poonch District Bears the Brunt
Poonch district was the worst-affected area, accounting for all reported civilian fatalities and the majority of injuries. Victims included men, women, and children, with several critically wounded individuals currently receiving treatment. Mortar shells also hit civilian areas including bus stands, homes, and public buildings in Balakote, Mendhar, Krishna Ghati, Gulpur, and Mankote.
The deceased include Balvinder Kour (33), Mohd Zain Khan (10), Zoya Khan (12), and Maryam Khatoon (7), among others. Local officials are working to formally identify the remaining victims.
Civilian Panic and Infrastructure Damage
Residents of border villages described the night as one of terror. “We suddenly heard loud explosions. There was chaos everywhere. Many bunkers are unfinished, and people had no safe place to go,” said Abdul Husain, a resident of a border area.
Many homes caught fire or were severely damaged, forcing families to flee. In Mendhar and surrounding areas, people sought shelter in underground bunkers or were evacuated by emergency teams under continuing fire. Civilian structures, vehicles, and communication infrastructure were also affected.
Widening Conflict Zone
The hostilities are part of an escalating pattern of violence that began after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians. In response, Indian forces launched coordinated strikes on May 7 targeting alleged terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), hitting sites reportedly linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Shelling was reported from multiple sectors including Mankote, Krishna Ghati, Shahpur, and Laam in Poonch and Rajouri, and extended to Karnah and Uri in north Kashmir. Kupwara, Baramulla, and parts of Ramban district also experienced cross-border firing, with reports of civilian injuries and property damage.
Educational Institutions Shut, Exams Delayed
In view of the situation, schools and colleges in several districts—Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch—have been ordered shut. Kashmir University announced the postponement of all scheduled examinations.
High Alert Across the Region
Security forces remain on high alert as the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, reaffirmed in 2021, appears to be deteriorating. This marks the 13th consecutive night of ceasefire violations along the LoC since April 24.
Tensions continue to rise with fears mounting of a wider conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations. Exchanges of fire were ongoing at several locations as of the latest reports.
