POONCH, May 7 — At least 12 civilians, including four children, were killed and 57 others injured on Wednesday as Pakistan and India exchange exchanged heavy artillery along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, following Indian missile strikes on Pakistan.
Officials confirmed the shelling began early Wednesday, just hours after Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, striking nine ‘terror camps’ in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 26 tourists dead.
Pir Panchal’s Poonch district was the worst hit, accounting for all 12 civilian deaths and 42 injuries.
The deceased were identified as Balvinder Kour alias Ruby (33), Mohd Zain Khan (10), Zoya Khan (12), Mohd Akram (40), Amrik Singh (55), Mohd Iqbal (45), Ranjeet Singh (48), Shakeela Bi (40), Amarjeet Singh (47), Maryam Khatoon (7), Vihaan Bhargav (13), and Mohd Rafi (40).
“The shelling was widespread and indiscriminate. Dozens of houses were damaged, and residents had to take shelter in bunkers or evacuate to safer areas,” said a senior district official.
“The condition of several injured is serious,” the official added.
Pakistani shelling also was reported from multiple sectors, including Balakote, Mendhar, Mankote, Krishna Ghati, Gulpur, Kerni, and even the Poonch district headquarters.
Shells also landed near the busy Poonch bus stand, damaging several vehicles.
In north Kashmir, ten people—five of them children—were injured in shelling in the Uri sector of Baramulla district. Three others sustained injuries in Rajouri district, while Karnah in Kupwara reported fires caused by shell impacts on civilian homes.
Officials confirmed that the Indian military has responded “proportionately and in a calibrated manner,” with significant casualties reported on the Pakistani side.
“Several enemy posts engaged in the shelling were destroyed in retaliatory strikes,” a spokesperson said.
“This marks the 13th consecutive night of ceasefire violations. Pakistan again violates the Ceasefire Agreement by firing artillery in the Bhimber Gali area. The Indian army is responding appropriately,” the Additional Directorate General of Public Information posted on X.
In response to the escalating violence, authorities ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, and educational institutions across the border districts of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch.
“In view of the prevailing situation, all educational institutions in these districts will remain closed today,” Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said.