Crisis at the Line of Control: Evacuations Amid Border Tensions

Thousands of residents near the Line of Control in Kashmir's bordering districts faced urgent evacuation due to intensified shelling by Pakistani troops. This escalating tension resulted from missile strikes by Indian forces targeting terror infrastructure across the border, leading to severe repercussions for civilians.

As Pakistani forces launched retaliatory shelling on civilian areas, evacuations were enacted swiftly, with officials moving families into bunkers or alternative safe locations. The districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora have been most affected, witnessing significant damage to residential, commercial, and government properties.

The onslaught, which began on May 7, has caused the death of one woman and injured 18 others, while destruction spans more than 100 homes and numerous buildings. The majority of evacuations have occurred in Kupwara's Karnah and Machhil sectors, followed by Uri in Baramulla and parts of Bandipora.

(With inputs from agencies.)