Srinagar, May 07 (KNO): Twelve civilians and an Army soldier were killed while at least 50 have been injured as Pakistan resorted to shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in several areas of Jammu and Kashmir after India carried out precision air strikes inside Pakistan and PoJK in response to Pahalgam terror attack, officials said.
Amid an escalating situation, the Indian Army said it is closely monitoring ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army along the LoC, defence officials said.
An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that 13 people were killed and 38 injured after Pakistan resorted to heavy artillery shelling along the LoC in Poonch and Mendhar sectors on Wednesday morning.
He said ten civilians were also injured due to shelling from across the border in Nowpora and Kalgae areas of Salamabad in Uri, while three civilians were injured in Rajouri. The injured have been evacuated to nearby healthcare facilities.
Among the civilians killed in the intense shelling were four children and two women. Siblings Zoya Khan (14) and Zain Khan (12) lost their lives when a shell struck their home in Kalani village, while their father, Rameez Khan, was injured. Seven-year-old Maryam Khatoon died in Qazi Mohalla after being hit by shell splinters; her sister Iram Naz (10) was injured. Vihaan Bhargav (13), a resident of Dungus village, was also killed. In Mendhar’s Mankote area, 35-year-old Balvinder Kour died and her daughter Ravinder Kour (12) was injured.
Two shopkeepers, Amreek Singh (55) and Ranjit Singh (48), were killed at Syndicate Chowk in Poonch when a shell landed near their establishments. Amreek was struck while inside his shop. Other deceased include Amarjeet Singh (47), Mohammad Akram (40), and Qazi Mohammad Iqbal, all residents of Poonch.
Officials said the Pakistan Army carried out heavy mortar shelling along the LoC for the 13th consecutive day. This is the first major civilian casualty count along the LoC in J&K since the February 2021 ceasefire agreement between the two countries.
Heavy mortar and artillery shelling was witnessed across multiple sectors along the LoC in J&K, severely affecting civilian areas.
In Poonch district, intense shelling was witnessed in Mendhar, Balakote, Mankote, and Krishna Ghati, with villages such as Chaffar, Kotan, and Jhallas bearing the brunt.
In Rajouri district, Nowshera and other forward areas along the LoC were also targeted, resulting in civilian injuries.
The Uri sector in Baramulla district experienced significant shelling, with reports and damage to property. Kupwara district saw intermittent firing in some areas along the LoC, adding to the tension across the region.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army said it is closely monitoring ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army along the LoC, defence officials said.
A defence spokesperson in a statement issued to KNO said the Army chief is in constant communication with local formations regarding Pakistan Army actions.
He said Indian Army formations have been granted operational freedom to provide an appropriate response to Pakistan's use of artillery guns targeting Indian civilians.
The spokesperson said that Pakistan resorted to artillery shelling on civilian targets after the Indian Army last night attacked five terror camps in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir using precision-guided special munitions. A total of nine targets were hit in a joint tri-services operation.
Meanwhile, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said he took stock of the situation in border districts after India launched air strikes in Pakistan to destroy terror camps in response to Pahalgam attack.
In a post on X, the LG said he is closely monitoring the situation and that the government is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality.
“Took stock of the situation in border districts of J&K UT with all the senior administrative, police & district officials including DCs of all the border districts. I'm closely monitoring the situation & govt is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality,” he wrote.
The LG added that he directed the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to shift villagers from vulnerable areas to safer locations and ensure boarding, lodging, food, medicare and transportation, assuring that the safety of every citizen will be ensured.
Futhermore, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired an emergency meeting with officials to assess the situation in border districts amid intense cross-border shelling.
He announced Rs 5 crore contingency funds for each border district, ordered immediate medical and evacuation preparedness, and emphasised safeguarding civilians. Officials were instructed to counter misinformation and ensure essential supplies and personnel are in place.
Poonch MLA Ajaz Jan visited District Hospital Poonch to assess medical arrangements for those injured in the shelling, which he described as unprovoked. He said the situation remains tense and assured that he is in regular contact with CM Omar Abdullah. Jan praised hospital staff and affirmed his continued presence and support for residents during the crisis.
The Poonch District Administration reviewed preparedness at designated shelter camps as part of relocation efforts amid ongoing tensions.
Senior officials assessed facilities at sites like Caramel School, GHSS Lassana, and Polytechnic College, ensuring essential services like food, shelter, and medical aid are available—(KNO)