On May 7, 2025, the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir experienced intense shelling from across the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in the deaths of 13 individuals, including four children and a soldier, and injuring 45 others. The shelling, which began around 1:45 AM, targeted several areas, including residential zones and a school, leading to significant destruction and civilian displacement.The Tribune
Civilian Impact and Casualties
The shelling affected multiple areas within the Poonch district, notably Mendhar, Balakote, Krishna Ghati, and Mankote. Among the deceased were four minors: Ayan Khan (14), his sister Aruba Khan (12), Maryam Khatoon (7), and Vihaan Bhargav (13). Additionally, three members of the Sikh community lost their lives when a shell struck the Guru Singh Sabha Sahib Gurdwara. A local madrasa cleric, Qazi Mohammad Iqbal (40), was also killed in the attacks. The Christ School in Poonch town sustained damage, with reports indicating fatalities near the premises.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents described the shelling as unprecedented in intensity. Aman Dabur, a local resident, stated, “Most homes in the area bear the marks of splinters of shells fired by Pakistan. This is the first time that we have seen shelling by Pakistan with such intensity in Poonch town.”
Another resident, Asgar, recounted the terror during the attacks: “We were scared as a fierce gunfight erupted and continued for about 20 minutes. My children started crying as the gunfire rang out.” The Guardian+5dtnext+5Dynamite News+5
Broader Context
The escalation follows a series of retaliatory strikes between India and Pakistan. India launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, in response to a deadly militant attack in Kashmir that killed 26 Indian tourists. Pakistan condemned the strikes, reporting civilian casualties and authorizing retaliatory actions.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions, urging both nations to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to prevent further civilian harm.
Humanitarian Response
In the aftermath, local authorities and the Indian Army have initiated relief operations, evacuating affected civilians and providing medical assistance to the injured. Efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage and to restore normalcy in the region.
As the situation remains tense, residents of Poonch and surrounding areas continue to grapple with the trauma of the attacks, hoping for a swift resolution to the hostilities and a return to peace.
