Heavy Pakistani Shelling Causes Widespread Damage in Jammu & Kashmir's Poonch

Poonch (J&K), 7 may 2025

Heavy shelling by Pakistan in the border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir caused widespread destruction on Wednesday. Nine people lost their lives and 28 others were injured as artillery and mortar shells pounded the region, soon after India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ early in the morning. This military action targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people.

The Pakistani shelling was not confined to Poonch alone but also affected the Rajouri district, and the Uri, Karnah, and Tangdhar sectors in Kupwara district of Jammu.

The shelling began around 2 am and was described by locals and officials as “barbaric and cowardly.” Explosions woke up residents across the region, sending them scrambling for shelter as shells rained down on homes. The heavy artillery targeted Mankote, Mendhar, Thandi Kassi, and Poonch city, leaving behind a trail of devastation.

Homes were destroyed, shops were damaged, vehicles burned, and the streets were littered with debris and bloodstains. Even historical landmarks like the Poonch Fort and ancient temples were affected.

A police officer on the ground condemned the attack, saying, “Targeting unarmed civilians is not bravery. It is a cowardly act by Pakistan.”

Locals spoke of a terrifying night, with shells exploding nearby. One resident, Mohd Zahid, recalled, “It was like a war zone with injured people crying for help, and families scrambling for cover.” More than 150 residents of Dhaki sought refuge with relatives after their homes were heavily damaged.

The shelling also hit structures like the UN station and forest department buildings in Poonch. Tragically, five victims, including two minors, Mohd Zain Khan (10) and his sister Zoya Khan (12), were killed in the town.

Local resident Sardar Navneet Singh described the shelling as a retaliatory move by Pakistan against India’s operation, saying, “Pakistan missed its military targets and shelled us, killing many and causing massive damage to homes.”

The shelling began in Mankote, where a mortar shell struck the home of Kala Singh, killing his wife and injuring their daughter. The forest department’s office was also hit, leaving two forest guards wounded.

As the situation worsened, residents fled their homes in search of safety. Videos shared on social media showed the scale of the destruction, evoking outrage.

Fire services have been deployed to control the fires caused by the shells. The local administration is managing relief efforts, even as sporadic shelling continues.

National Conference MLA Aijaz Jan expressed concern over the extent of damage, while Former DGP S.P. Vaid condemned the Pakistani actions targeting civilians. He also praised Prime Minister Modi for ensuring revenge for the Pahalgam killings, highlighting that India’s military had targeted Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad terror groups, which have caused decades of violence in the region.

The Indian Army is responding firmly to the cross-border shelling and reiterated that ensuring civilian safety is its top priority.