The Incident
On May 7, 2025, the Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir became the epicenter of rising tensions between India and Pakistan, following a series of military exchanges. The escalation began when India launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting suspected terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in response to a deadly attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 Indian lives. The operation involved missile strikes on nine locations, including Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad.
Pakistan condemned the strikes, reporting 31 fatalities, including civilians and children, and vowed to retaliate. This led to heavy artillery shelling by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC), with the Poonch district enduring the heaviest bombardment.
Civilian Impact
The shelling in Poonch resulted in the deaths of at least 15 civilians, including children as young as 10 and 12 years old. Among the casualties was Amreek Singh, a local shopkeeper who was killed when a shell exploded outside his shop. A nearby gurdwara also suffered significant damage during the attack.
Local residents described the ordeal as terrifying, with many seeking safety in underground bunkers or fleeing their homes entirely. Witnesses likened the intensity of the bombardment to the worst days of the 1999 Kargil War.
Broader Implications
The incident has further strained relations between India and Pakistan, prompting international calls for restraint. Leaders from the United States, the United Kingdom, and China urged both nations to de-escalate tensions and pursue diplomatic dialogue.
The humanitarian crisis in Poonch highlights the urgent need for peace-building efforts to protect civilian lives and prevent further devastation.
