Poonch Shelling: Civilians Recount Devastation Amid Rising Tensions

The Poonch district has been engulfed in grief and anger following cross-border shelling by Pakistani forces, which claimed 13 civilian lives and left 59 others injured, according to the Indian External Affairs Ministry. The incident, a severe ceasefire violation along the Line of Control, has sparked widespread condemnation from local residents.

The crossfire resulted in extensive damage to religious structures, including a temple, a gurudwara, and a mosque. Narinder Singh, President of the District Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, recounting the tragic death of Bhai Amrik Singh, who perished while at his shop during the shelling. Singh also noted the heavy toll on religious and civilian properties, lamenting the loss within the community.

Vice Principal of Jamia Zia-ul-Uloom Poonch criticized the deliberate targeting of religious sites, highlighting that even the local Ustaad succumbed in this relentless assault. Swami Krishnanand, head priest of Gita Bhawan, described the dire conditions following the attack as structural damage and a water supply breakdown added to the chaos.

(With inputs from agencies.)