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12 Civilians Killed, 42 Injured in Intense Pakistan Shelling in Poonch Amid Rising Tensions
Jammu: In a deadly escalation of hostilities, at least 12 civilians were killed and 42 injured as the Pakistan army launched intense artillery shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district on Wednesday. The shelling occurred shortly after India conducted precision strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
The indiscriminate shelling targeted several areas, including Mendhar, Mankote, Balakote, Krishna Ghati, Sagra, and Shahpur Kirni, as well as Poonch town, causing extensive damage to dozens of houses. The deceased included four children aged between 7 and 14, including two siblings. Four members of the Sikh community, including a woman, were also among the dead, along with a Muslim cleric, Quari Mohammad Iqbal, from Darul Uloom Madarsa.
The victims have been identified as Mohd Adil (Sagra), Saleem Hussain (Balakot), Balvinder Kour, alias Ruby (Mankote), Mohd Zain, 10, (Kalani village), Mohd Akram, 55, (Mohalla Sukka Katha), Amreek Singh (Mohalla Sandigate), Ranjeet Singh and Amarjeet Singh (Sandigate), Zoya Khan, 12, (Kalani village), Mohd Rafi, 36, (Kojra, Bandichechian), and Mohd Iqbal, 45, (Baila village).
A senior police officer confirmed the casualties and said the indiscriminate shelling has caused widespread panic among the border residents, forcing them to take shelter in underground bunkers or flee to safer locations.
Notably, Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha and Christ School in Poonch town were also hit in the artillery fire.
“There is a sense of panic in Poonch town, with long queues at fuel stations as residents are preparing to evacuate to Jammu,” said Darshan Bharti, a local resident. “The situation is extremely tense, with villagers migrating to safer locations,” he added.
Authorities are yet to provide an official statement, and rescue operations are ongoing in the affected areas.
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