Civilian Casualties Mount as Pakistan Retaliates Against India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’
Jammu and Kashmir, India – The escalating conflict between India and Pakistan has claimed the lives of at least seven civilians and left 38 injured after Pakistani forces launched heavy artillery shelling across the border. This comes following India’s “Operation Sindoor,” a series of missile strikes targeting nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Heavy Shelling Across Border Sectors
According to Indian military officials, the shelling began on the night of May 6-7, 2025, and has been reported in multiple sectors along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB). Areas hit include Krishna Ghati, Shahpur, and Mankote in Poonch district, as well as Laam, Manjakote, and Gambeer Brahmana in Rajouri. Intense artillery fire was also reported in the Uri and Tangdhar sectors of the Kashmir Valley.
Tragically, six civilians were killed in Poonch, while one person died in Mendhar. Local reports indicate a woman was killed in Mankote, although this has not yet been officially confirmed by authorities.
India’s ‘Focused’ Strikes Against Terror Targets
Earlier on Tuesday, the Indian Defence Ministry announced “Operation Sindoor,” a targeted operation against terrorist sites. They emphasized that no Pakistani military facilities were intentionally targeted and that the strikes were intended to be “focused, measured, and non-escalatory.”
Disruption to Civilian Life
The escalating conflict has significantly disrupted civilian life across the region. Schools and colleges in five border districts – Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch – have been ordered closed due to security concerns. Airports in cities close to the Indo-Pak border, including Jammu, Srinagar, and Leh, have suspended operations. Air India has cancelled flights to and from several northern cities until at least noon on Wednesday, and other carriers have issued travel advisories and reported flight diversions.
Ceasefire Violations and Military Response
The Indian Army stated on social media that Pakistani forces fired artillery in the Bhimber Gali sector, marking another violation of the ceasefire agreement. The Indian Army claims to be responding to this aggression in a “calibrated manner.”
