Tragedy in Uri: Woman Killed, Civilians Injured in Pakistan’s Artillery Barrage
Woman Killed, Civilians Injured in Uri Amid Pakistan’s Artillery Fire
A woman was killed and four civilians were injured in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district, as Pakistan intensified its artillery fire across the Line of Control (LoC), officials said. The shelling, which has caused significant damage to homes, comes amid heightened tensions between the two nations.
Woman Dies While Fleeing Shelling
The woman, identified as Nargis Bashir, and her family members had boarded a vehicle to escape the Razarwani village in Uri, which was under heavy mortar and artillery fire from Pakistan. Tragically, as the vehicle reached Mohurra, it was struck by a shell, killing Bashir instantly and injuring three other family members. The injured were rushed to the Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla for treatment.
Widespread Damage and Displacement
Mortars and artillery shells from Pakistan landed deep inside Uri, reaching as far as Mohura, Gingal, and Rampur. In Gingal alone, at least 10 houses were damaged. A resident of Uri described the intensity of the shelling, stating, “We have not seen such intense fire from across the border in many decades.”
The shelling wasn’t confined to Uri. In Kupwara’s Tangdhar sector, Pakistan launched heavy artillery fire that landed deep inside Kupwara. Shells fell across the Sadhna pass in Manzgam, Kralpora, Chowkibal, and Dollipora, with Dollipora village being particularly vulnerable, located less than 10 kilometers from Kupwara town and over 30 kilometers from the LoC. While no loss of life was reported in Kupwara, several houses were damaged.
Precautions and Evacuations
The Indian Army responded to the Pakistani fire, officials said, “proportionately and in equal measure.” Over 60,000 civilians have fled from border areas to safer locations, seeking shelter with relatives or in government-designated shelters.
As tensions escalated, the Jammu and Kashmir government took precautionary measures, including shutting down electricity across the Kashmir Valley and ordering the closure of schools on Friday and Saturday.
