Families Evacuate Amid Cross-Border Tensions on LoC

In the Akhnoor sector near the Line of Control (LoC), families face another evacuation due to sustained cross-border firing. Ajit Singh, from Palatnagarh village just 200 meters from the Pakistan border, recounts previous incidents of violence. "Bullets have struck our homes. In 2016, seven walls of my house were damaged," he said.

Singh described the cycle of fear and displacement: "When firing starts, village residents evacuate. Once the firing ceases, they return to their farms. Even the animals are visibly frightened," Singh noted, adding that evacuation advisories were issued recently. "We met the BLO who advised us to leave immediately. We spent the night in a temporary shelter," he recalled.

The local administration continues to monitor the escalating situation, offering temporary relief to affected families. The Ministry of External Affairs reported the loss of 13 civilian lives in Poonch and 59 injuries due to ceasefire violations along the LoC. This follows 'Operation Sindoor,' an Indian offensive targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Continuing its ceasefire violations, the Pakistani army targeted civilian areas across Jammu and Kashmir. Residents of border villages, such as those in Rajouri, returned home after the shelling subsided, recounting significant property damage and livestock losses. In response to these provocations, the Indian army launched a measured counter-offensive along the LoC.

(With inputs from agencies.)