India Strikes Back: Pakistan's Attack on Civilians Leads to Significant Casualties in Jammu and Kashmir
At least 15 Indians have tragically lost their lives, and 43 others have been injured in the Jammu and Kashmir regions of Poonch and Tangdhar following a violent escalation on the border. The casualties were the result of arbitrary firing and heavy artillery shelling launched by Pakistan late on Tuesday night along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB), the Indian Army confirmed.
Pakistan’s Provocative Action and India’s Strategic Response
The shelling came shortly after India initiated 'Operation Sindoor' at 1:05 am, targeting Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with a series of precision airstrikes. For 25 minutes, the Indian Air Force carried out focused operations, hitting nine terror camps tied to three prominent terrorist outfits: Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. These camps were believed to be involved in orchestrating attacks against India.
In a statement to India Today TV, defense sources revealed that India’s military responded swiftly to Pakistan's cross-border firing, causing significant damage to multiple Pakistan Army posts located in the Kupwara and Rajouri-Poonch sectors. The strikes are believed to have resulted in heavy casualties on the Pakistani side, as multiple military posts were destroyed.
Civilians Bear the Brunt of Pakistan’s Aggression
The intense artillery firing and shelling from Pakistan have had devastating consequences for civilians along the border. According to the Indian Army, 15 innocent lives were lost, and over 40 others sustained injuries. Among the victims were three Sikhs who were killed when Pakistani forces attacked the central Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Poonch district. The deceased individuals, Bhai Amrik Singh Ji (a raagi Singh), Bhai Amarjeet Singh, and Bhai Ranjit Singh, were part of the religious community that has a longstanding history of standing firm in the face of adversity.
SAD (Shiromani Akali Dal) Chief Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed deep sorrow and condemned the attack. He took to X (formerly Twitter), sharing his thoughts: “Among the 10 killed were three Gursikhs after Pakistani forces attacked the central Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Poonch district. Bhai Amrik Singh Ji, Bhai Amarjeet Singh, and Bhai Ranjit Singh were among the three killed.”
He continued, “The Shiromani Akali Dal expresses complete solidarity with the families of the deceased Gursikhs and prays for peace for the departed and courage for their friends and loved ones. We demand that the martyrs be honoured for their sacrifice and that the bereaved families receive adequate compensation to support them in their time of grief. The Sikhs have always been, and will continue to be, the sword arm of the country. We stand like a rock with our armed forces. Although the Shiromani Akali Dal and our country stand for peace, if our honour is challenged by the enemy, we need no reminder to fulfill our patriotic duties.”
Indian Government's Swift Measures and Evacuations
In response to the escalating threat, Union Home Minister Amit Shah swiftly ordered the evacuation of civilians residing near the LoC and the IB. Sources revealed that Shah has been in constant communication with key security personnel, including Border Security Force Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The Home Minister emphasized the urgency of moving civilians to safer locations, highlighting that their safety and security were of utmost importance to the Indian government.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Measured Strike
India described its operations as part of 'Operation Sindoor,' which was characterized as a "focused, measured and non-escalatory" response. According to the government, the intent behind the operation was to target the very infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK from which attacks against India had been planned and directed. By focusing on these terror camps, India sought to disrupt the operations of terrorist organizations responsible for inflicting harm on Indian civilians and military personnel.
The results of the strikes were reportedly successful, with more than 80 terrorists linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen eliminated. Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, reportedly issued a statement acknowledging the strikes, claiming that 10 members of his family, including his elder sister and her husband, as well as four close associates, were killed in the attacks.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Tensions
All airstrikes targeted nine specific terror camps and were reported as successful. The Indian Air Force pilots involved in the operation returned safely. Despite the significant damage inflicted on terror networks, the volatile situation along the LoC and IB remains tense, as Pakistan continues its aggressive stance.
The tragic loss of life among civilians, coupled with the escalation of cross-border violence, has heightened the sense of urgency for diplomatic resolution. Yet, in the face of mounting aggression, India has demonstrated resolve in defending its territory and citizens, reinforcing its commitment to national security and sovereignty.
As the situation unfolds, the Indian government remains focused on providing aid and support to the affected families while preparing for any further challenges that may arise. The resolve of India’s armed forces, alongside the support of the civilian population, continues to be a defining aspect of the country’s response to such provocations.
