10 Civilians Killed, 52 Injured in Pakistan Army’s Indiscriminate Shelling Across LoC in J&K

Srinagar, May 7, 2025

Shelling Across LoC : — In a tragic escalation of border tensions, eight civilians — including a woman and two children — lost their lives and at least 52 others were injured when the Pakistan Army unleashed indiscriminate shelling across the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident occurred between the night of May 6 and the early hours of May 7, plunging border communities into chaos and fear.

According to officials, heavy artillery and mortar rounds from Pakistani posts rained down on dozens of forward villages in the Poonch, Uri, Tangdhar, and Rajouri sectors. Poonch bore the brunt of the attack, where all eight fatalities were reported.

Operation Sindoor Launched in Retaliation

The deadly assault comes hours after India launched Operation Sindoor, a precision military strike targeting nine terror infrastructure hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed early Wednesday that these sites were actively being used to plan and direct attacks against India.

The Indian Army has responded with equal intensity to Pakistan’s ceasefire violations. “Our forces are giving a befitting reply,” an army official said, highlighting that the shelling was not only unprovoked but also indiscriminate, putting civilian lives at grave risk.

Terror Returns to Border Villages

The intensity of the shelling forced residents in affected areas to seek refuge in bunkers and underground shelters.

“We were jolted awake after 1 AM by deafening blasts. Shells hit near our house, and we ran to the community bunker,” said Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Tangdhar in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

Multiple homes were damaged in Tangdhar, while civilians in Uri and Rajouri districts also suffered injuries. In Uri alone, 10 people were wounded, while three were injured in Rajouri.

Background of the Tensions

This latest bout of violence follows weeks of rising hostilities along the LoC, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack last month which claimed 26 lives. Since then, sporadic small arms fire had been reported until Pakistan’s latest shelling spree turned deadly.

The Ministry of Defence stated, “India’s action under Operation Sindoor was aimed at dismantling the very foundation of cross-border terrorism. The precision strikes demonstrate our resolve to eliminate threats at their roots.”

Security Tightened Along Border Areas

Following the shelling, security has been heightened along the LoC and IB. Civil administration and disaster response teams have been activated in the affected districts to provide emergency aid and assess damage.

Local authorities have also advised villagers to remain indoors and use community bunkers wherever available. Mobile health units have been deployed to provide first aid and evacuate the seriously injured.

The renewed violence along the LoC is a stark reminder of the fragile peace in the region and the ever-present threat of cross-border terror. As both nations exchange fire, the civilians trapped in the line of fire continue to suffer the most.

India’s firm response under Operation Sindoor signals a new phase in its strategy against terrorism emanating from across the border — one that prioritizes pre-emptive, high-precision action to ensure national security.