News Desk – In a tragic and intense escalation along the Line of Control (LoC), Pakistan carried out heavy artillery and mortar shelling on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, killing 12 civilians and injuring 57 others. The shelling targeted civilian areas, including homes, schools, and a gurdwara, leading to severe destruction and loss of life.
Among the dead were four children and three members of the Sikh community. One of the most heartbreaking incidents occurred near Syndicate Chowk, where local shopkeeper Amreek Singh was killed instantly as he opened his shop and a shell exploded nearby. The Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara also suffered major damage during the attack.
The shelling came shortly after India’s Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory strike by Indian forces targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
Community Outrage and National Condemnation
Religious and political leaders condemned the attack:
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, called it “a blow to humanity” and urged both India and Pakistan to act wisely and reduce tensions.
Sukhbir Singh Badal, chief of Shiromani Akali Dal, paid tribute to the martyred Sikh civilians—Amrik Singh Raagi, Amarjeet Singh, and Bhai Ranjit Singh—and demanded compensation and state honors for their sacrifice.
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu called the killings a “tragic loss” and affirmed, “India will not tolerate such barbarity.”
The shelling created widespread panic among border residents, many of whom rushed into underground bunkers or fled their villages. Local authorities are providing medical aid and relief efforts, while the Indian government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its citizens and responding firmly to any future aggression.
The shelling affected nearly all sectors along the LoC in Poonch, including:
Balakote
Mendhar
Mankote
Krishna Ghati
Gulpur
Kerni
Poonch district headquarters
Officials reported damage to dozens of homes and vehicles, with several families losing everything overnight.
