Intense Escalation: Shelling Along LoC Leaves 13 Civilians Dead in Poonch

In a dramatic surge of violence, 13 civilians perished in Poonch amid ongoing tensions along the Line of Control (LoC). An alarming 59 individuals suffered injuries, with most casualties reported in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. The Ministry of External Affairs publicized these distressing figures on Thursday.

The escalation follows India's decisive 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7, during which Indian forces struck nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan's military responded with intense shelling from the night of April 25-26, sowing fear and disrupting civilian life in the border regions.

This week, Pakistani forces targeted civilian areas, wreaking havoc in villages along the LoC. Buildings were damaged by shelling, causing villagers in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri to flee for safety. Sailesh Kumar, a local resident, described the fear and destruction, noting significant damage to homes and the mass evacuation of residents and livestock.

The Indian Army has retaliated to Pakistan's unprovoked artillery fire, focusing its response across districts including Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor. The strategic 'Operation Sindoor' aimed to obliterate terror infrastructure associated with attacks on Indian soil, specifically targeting Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives.

(With inputs from agencies.)