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Pakistan Shells Civilians in J&K After India’s Operation Sindoor, India Retaliates

May 8, 2025, 9:36 am

A day after India’s surgical strikes under Operation Sindoor hit terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Pakistan indulged in heavy cross-border shelling on May 7–8. The Pakistani Army employed artillery and small arms to fire at Indian forward posts and civilian areas in Jammu and Kashmir. India reacted quickly and in proportion.

The unprovoked attack killed 13 civilians, four children, and a soldier, and left 57 injured. Locals took shelter in bunkers as shells reduced houses, cars, and even a revered Gurdwara to rubble in Poonch. The escalation marks a perilous turn, testing the tenuous 2021 ceasefire accord and spiking concerns of expanded fighting.

Night of Shelling Turns Deadly Across LoC

During the night of May 7–8, Pakistan fired across several sectors along the Line of Control (LoC). It fired at Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor with small arms and artillery. The Indian Army responded with the same intensity. Shelling also extended to the Karnah sector, where mortars landed on civilian habitations after midnight.

Earlier, the Indian forces had carried out Operation Sindoor, demolishing nine terror infrastructure facilities associated with JeM, LeT, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The operations were a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives.

Most Civilian Casualties in Poonch

Poonch district witnessed the most destruction. All 13 fatalities were here. Three Sikh men were among the victims who succumbed after a shell exploded at the Central Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Poonch town. Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal denounced the attack and expressed grief over the deaths of Bhai Amrik Singh Ji, Bhai Amarjeet Singh, and Bhai Ranjit Singh.

Strongly condemn the inhuman attack by Pakistani forces on the sacred Central Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Poonch, in which three innocent Gursikhs, including Bhai Amrik Singh Ji (a raagi Singh), Bhai Amarjeet Singh and Bhai Ranjit Singh lost their lives.
The Shiromani… pic.twitter.com/T5CFLfBeyx

— Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) May 7, 2025

Shelling leveled dozens of houses and cars. It caused panic when hundreds of the residents went to bunkers or moved to safer locations.

Injuries and Blazes in Other Districts

In Baramulla district’s URI sector, ten individuals, of whom five were children, were injured. Three were injured in the Rajouri district. Shelling caused blazes in Kupwara district’s Karnah sector, burning several homes.

This fierce exchange of fire is the first major breach since India and Pakistan renewed the ceasefire pact on February 25, 2021. The magnitude and civilian toll of Pakistan’s shelling cast a shadow over the viability of that agreement.

As India shows military finesse in its anti-terror raids and Pakistan retaliates with indiscriminate shelling, tensions may escalate further. Diplomatic corridors are quiet, while local communities suffer.

Fragile Peace Faces Collapse

If such provocations persist, the region could fall back into a cycle of violence and reprisal. India’s targeted military strikes against terror targets. Pakistan, on the other hand, attacked civilians. The dichotomy may influence world opinion and diplomatic actions.

For the moment, the casualty toll and damage highlight how rapidly peace can disintegrate. Without intense diplomatic efforts, the 2021 ceasefire can fall apart under the pressure of renewed animosity.

Security Forces Release Sketches Of 2 Terrorists Involved In Poonch Attack, Offer Rs 20 Lakh Bounty

May 6, 2024, 2:34 pm

As the hunt for the terrorists responsible for the assault on the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) convoy in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district continued into its third day on Monday, security forces disclosed sketches of two suspects linked to the attack. Offering a combined reward of Rs. 20 lakhs, the sketches were unveiled on Monday (May 6), with assurances of confidentiality for individuals providing information on the terrorists’ whereabouts.

It’s important to highlight that a meticulously coordinated joint effort involving both the army and police is currently in progress across various regions, such as Shahsitar, Gursai, Sanai, and Sheendara Top, aimed at apprehending the terrorists thought to have sought refuge in a forest post-attack. Additionally, amidst the extensive search operation, approximately 20 individuals have been taken into custody by security forces in connection with the incident. Sources indicate that these detainees are suspected of providing assistance to the attackers.

It’s worth mentioning that during the encounter with terrorists in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir near Shahsitar on May 4, a total of five personnel sustained gunshot wounds as they were advancing towards Sanai Top in the Surankote area. Reportedly, the terrorists fired close to 30 rounds during the skirmish. All the injured personnel were promptly evacuated to the nearest military hospital for urgent medical treatment. Unfortunately, one of them, Corporal Vikky Pahade, succumbed to his injuries later on.

Simultaneously, the mortal remains of Indian Air Force soldier Corporal Vikky Pahade arrived in Chhindwara for his final rites today.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also arrived in Chhindwara. Speaking to media, he said, “Guard of Honour and State honours will be given to Corporal Vikky Pahade but no one can fill the personal loss. We are very proud of Vikky Pahade.”

Terrorist Attack In J&K’s Poonch: 200 Bullets Fired On IAF Convoy

May 6, 2024, 8:49 am

Terrorists on Saturday night attacked an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir’s Sanai Top area, reportedly four soldiers were injured and one killed in this attack. Terrorists positioned at top of the hillsides beside the road targeted this convoy, which was making its way from Jaranwalli Gali to Shahistar Top, the location of the IAF’s base.

The last car was hit by the terrorists, stopping it, according to sources, and they then opened fire on the convoy from the flanks. It is said that in a fifteen-minute period, about two hundred rounds were shot at the car. But the terrorists were forced to retreat into the surrounding woodlands by the IAF personnel’s swift reprisal.

No terrorist organization has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. However, it is speculated, based on reports, that the perpetrators are familiar with the area’s terrain and may have been involved in previous attacks on security forces since last year.

Following the attack, all injured soldiers were swiftly evacuated and transported to Udhampur Command Hospital for treatment. Tragically, one of the five Indian Air Force personnel succumbed to his injuries. Corporal Vikky Pahade, a 33-year-old soldier from Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh, and a resident of Nonia-Karbal village, who joined the unit on April 18 of this year, was among those injured.

In a tribute, the IAF, through its official communication platform X (formerly Twitter), expressed its condolences to Corporal Vikky Pahade’s family and honored his sacrifice, stating, “The CAS Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and all personnel of Indian Air Force salute the braveheart Corporal Vikky Pahade, who made the supreme sacrifice in Poonch Sector, in the service of the nation Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. We stand firmly by your side in this hour of grief.”

Security measures in the Poonch district have been heightened following the attack. Security forces have initiated searches in the vicinity and have detained six locals for interrogation. Aerial surveillance has also been initiated in the hills of Shahsitar, Lassana Top, Sanai Top, Gursai, Sheendhara Top, and surrounding areas to monitor terrorist movements, believed to number four.

Investigators suspect that the terrorists received logistical support from locals and utilized US-made M4 rifles and AK-47 assault rifles in the attack.

NIA arrests a juvenile in Dhangri Terrorist Attack Case

January 21, 2024, 3:54 pm

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday (January 20) arrested a juvenile for harbouring terrorists involved in the killing of five civilians in Dhangri village of district Rajouri of Jammu and Kashmir in January last year.

The juvenile/CCL was incidentally lodged at Observation Home, R.S.Pura, Jammu in another case, registered at Police Station Gursai, Mendhar, District Poonch. He was taken into custody yesterday by the NIA and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, Rajouri, for remand.

The said terrorist attack had taken place on 1st January 2023, and five persons belonging to the minority Hindu community were killed and several seriously injured. The case was initially registered as FIR no. 01/2023 at PS Rajouri u/s 302/ 307 /120-B/452/323 of IPC, sections 13/16/18 of UA (P) Act 1967 and sections 7/27 of Arms Act. NIA had taken over and re-registered the case on 13th January.

Investigations by the NIA had revealed that the apprehended juvenile, along with two other earlier arrested persons namely Nisar Ahmed @ Haji Nisar and Mushtaq Hussain @ Chacha, was involved in harbouring the terrorists who had carried out the horrendous attack. Nisar Ahmed and Mushtaq Hussain were arrested by the NIA on 31st August 2023, and are presently lodged at Central Jail, Kot Bhalwal, Jammu.

The duo had provided logistic support to the terrorists for more than two months and had sheltered them in a hideout which they had constructed on the directions of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) handlers, namely Saifullah @ Sajid Jutt, Abu Qatal @ Qatal Sindhi and Mohd. Qasim.

A team of NIA officials had regularly camped in the hilly terrain of Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi districts of J & K in search of actual perpetrators of the offence during investigations. The team examined a large number of suspicious entities and later zeroed in on the above-mentioned accused persons who had provided logistic support to the terrorists.

Investigations in the case are still under process.

Rajnath meets families of three civilians killed in Poonch

December 28, 2023, 1:31 am

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday met the families of three civilians who were killed near the site of an anti-terrorist operation in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, four Army personnel were killed and three others were injured after heavily armed terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles near Thanamandi in the Rajouri sector on Thursday last week.

Rajnath Singh was accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Singh.
After meeting the defence minister, the brother of the victim, Noor Mohammad, said that Rajnath Singh had assured them of justice.
“We told him about the incident, and he assured us justice would be done. Whatever happened to us was bad, and he assured us that justice would be given.
We hope it will be done,” Mohammad said.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Sadiq, uncle of the victim, said that justice should be given in quick time.

“Justice should be done and justice should be given in a timely manner. We welcome the Defence Minister, who came and met us and assured us of justice,” he added.
Shehnaz Ganai, ex-MLC, said that the defence minister and LG came and he met victim families and assured justice would be given.
“Raksha Mantri and LG came and he met victim families and he assured justice would be served and judicial probe would be done. Our Rajouri Poonch people are always with country, I want to say to people of that we should fight against those people who want to create havoc in our country,” Ganai said.

The Indian Army said on Saturday that it is conducting an inquiry into the deaths of three civilians in the Poonch-Rajouri sector, where militants launched an attack on army personnel on December 21, killing four soldiers.
Amid the recent increase in attacks on its troops, the Indian Army is planning to increase the number of troops in the Poonch-Rajouri sector to curb the activities of the Pakistani terrorists there, sources said on Monday.

“An additional brigade-size formation had been moved into the area a few months ago. It is planned that another brigade will come there along with a few other units to support counter-terrorist operations,” sources in the Army said.

The move is expected to strengthen the counter-terrorist grid in the area and increase the confidence of the local population.
The local police have also strengthened their intelligence network and are expected to beef it up further.
The security forces have also managed to cut down on terrorist activities in the Kashmir valley.

Poonch attack: Terrorists can’t scare people of J&K, says LG SINHA

December 27, 2023, 4:02 am

Days after four soldiers were killed as terrorists ambushed two Army trucks in Poonch, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that just 20-25 terrorists cannot scare people in the Union Territory.
The LG, while addressing an event on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas in Jammu, said that attempts are being made to disturb peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Terrorists cannot scare the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Society needs to stand together against such people. The nation resolves to bring peace and development to Jammu and Kashmir….Now it’s time to stand together against these anarchists. Just 20-25 terrorists cannot scare the people of J-K,” he said.
He further said that terrorism and the whole ecosystem supporting it need to be eliminated.

Sinha also said that the UT is moving forward under the leadership of PM Modi.
The statement by the LG came after the terrorist attack on two Army vehicles in Poonch on December 21, which killed four soldiers.
LG Sinha also paid his respects to the Sahibzades, the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji on the occasion of Veer Baal Diwas.

Earlier in a post on X, he described them as the “epitome of courage, bravery and sacrifice,” highlighting their unwavering dedication to their faith and values.

“On the occasion of Veer Baal Diwas, my humble tributes to the Sahibzades, the epitome of courage, bravery, and sacrifice. The unwavering strength of Mata Gujri ji & Guru Gobind Singh ji Maharaj inspire all of us to uphold the unity and integrity of the nation,” he said.
Last year, on the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that December 26 would be marked as “Veer Bal Diwas”.
The day honours the sacrifices of “Sahibzade”, four sons of Guru Gobind Singh.

Mobile Internet Shut Down in Poonch, Rajouri During Anti-Terror Operation in J&K

December 23, 2023, 12:12 pm

In response to the recent ambush on two Army vehicles that claimed the lives of five soldiers, mobile Internet services were abruptly suspended in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch and Rajouri districts on Saturday. The move comes as security forces intensify efforts to track down terrorists linked to the attack, which was followed by the mysterious deaths of three individuals allegedly detained by the Army for questioning.

The suspension of mobile Internet services in the twin border districts is a precautionary measure aimed at curbing the spread of rumours and preventing any potential law and order issues. The decision was prompted by widespread resentment among the public, fueled by videos circulating online purporting to show the torture of suspects.

While official information on the ground situation remains limited, sources indicate that both Army and civil authorities are closely monitoring developments. The deployment of additional police and paramilitary personnel in sensitive areas of Poonch and Rajouri aims to maintain peace during this tense period.

The ambush, carried out by three to four heavily armed terrorists at Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz, resulted in the deaths of five soldiers and injuries to two others. After the attack, the terrorists reportedly mutilated the bodies of at least two soldiers and seized their weapons.

In response to the incident, a massive search operation was launched in densely forested areas, including nearby Thanamandi in Rajouri. Despite efforts, there has been no fresh contact with the fleeing terrorists as of now.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, three individuals, initially detained by the Army for questioning in connection with the attack, died mysteriously on Friday. The deceased were identified as Safeer Hussain (43), Mohd Showket (27), and Shabir Ahmad (32) of Topa Peer village in Bufliaz. The cause of their deaths is currently under investigation, with their bodies handed over to their families for last rites. Authorities continue to work on unravelling the circumstances surrounding both the ambush and the subsequent deaths.

UBT Sena’s Sanjay Raut Calls Poonch Terror Attack a ‘Repeat of Pulwama,’ Opposition Criticizes

December 22, 2023, 12:30 pm

As security forces intensify cordon and search operations in Poonch after Thursday’s terror attack on an Army convoy, opposition parties are raising questions and politicizing the tragic incident.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut drew parallels with the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, expressing concern over the government’s response. Raut questioned the motives of the central government and accused them of potential political exploitation. He said, “The government is sleeping. Do you (BJP) again want to do politics on the sacrifice by our jawans? If we ask questions about the Poonch incident, then they will throw us out of Delhi or the country.”

Raut further highlighted the intrusion into Parliament, criticizing the government’s lack of awareness. He raised serious concerns about the recent escalation in soldier casualties and emphasized the need for accountability.

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah, echoed the sentiment that terrorism persists in the Union Territory. Following the terrorist attack in Rajouri, Abdullah stated, “…Even today there is terrorism in J&K, there has just been an incident. Terrorism has not ended.” He criticized the central government’s focus on promoting tourism, emphasizing the urgent need for addressing security issues.

The attack on two military vehicles in the Thanamandi area of Rajouri resulted in the tragic loss of four Army personnel and injuries to three others. Security has been heightened along the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch highway in response to the incident.

Opposition leaders are seizing on the Poonch attack to question the government’s handling of security challenges in the region. The tragic event is now becoming a focal point for political discourse, with concerns raised about the broader implications for national security and the need for a comprehensive strategy to counteract terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

State Investigation Agency raids in connection with narco case in J-K’s Poonch

July 30, 2023, 12:49 pm

In connection with a drug case, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) conducted raids at various locations throughout the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday morning. The raids, according to official sources, were carried out in a number of places, including a drug dealer’s home. They stated that the raids were carried out by the SIA team at various Poonch locations “in connection with drug trafficker Rafiq Lala who was arrested four months ago.”

The accused was arrested four months back and a case was filed under the relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic (NDPS) Act, they added.
More details awaited.

4 terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in J-K’s Poonch

July 18, 2023, 10:43 am

Security forces killed four terrorists in a joint operation in Jammu and Kashmir, according to Indian Army sources on Tuesday.

The joint operation involving Indian Army’s Special Forces, Rashtriya Rifles and the Jammu and Kashmir police along with other forces was conducted in the Sindhara area of Poonch, they said. “The first engagement between security forces took place at around 11.30 pm yesterday after which drones were deployed along with other night surveillance equipment. At dawn today, the encounter started again with a heavy exchange of fire between the security forces and terrorists,” Indian Army officials said.
The terrorists killed in the operation are most likely foreign terrorists and their identity is being ascertained.

Further information is awaited.