Escalation in Kashmir: Pakistan Fires on Indian Villages After India Strikes Terror Targets
Renewed Border Tensions: Pakistan Shells Indian Villages
The Pakistani Army reportedly launched unprovoked shelling attacks on multiple Indian villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on the night of May 7-8. This comes just a day after India conducted airstrikes against alleged terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as part of ‘Operation Sindoor’.
The firing, which involved small arms and artillery guns, targeted areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor in Indian-controlled Kashmir. According to Indian army sources, the Indian Army responded proportionally to the Pakistani aggression.
Civilian Casualties and Destruction
The intense shelling resulted in significant damage and casualties on the Indian side. At least 13 people, including four children and a soldier, were killed, while 57 others were injured, according to Indian officials. The worst-hit areas were Poonch and Rajouri districts in Jammu region, and Baramulla and Kupwara in north Kashmir. The shelling destroyed houses, vehicles, and even a Gurdwara, creating widespread panic and forcing hundreds of residents to seek shelter in bunkers or move to safer locations.
Among the victims were three Sikh men who lost their lives when an artillery shell struck a Gurdwara and nearby houses in Poonch town. This tragedy drew strong condemnation from various Sikh organizations in Punjab, including the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Violating the Ceasefire Agreement
This escalation in violence comes as a stark violation of the ceasefire agreement renewed between India and Pakistan in February 2021. It marks one of the most intense periods of shelling since the agreement was reached, raising concerns about a potential return to full-blown conflict.
