Intense shelling in Poonch, following India's Operation Sindoor, caused significant civilian casualties and displacement, escalating tensions along the LoC and prompting international concern.
Poonch: A Town Under Fire
The Line of Control (LoC) has exploded. After India’s Operation Sindoor – those targeted strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) – things have gotten seriously intense. The shelling? Unprecedented. And the town of Poonch? Right in the thick of it.
A Grim Picture from Poonch
My colleague, Tarun Upadhyay, a senior journalist reporting from Jammu, painted a truly grim picture. He called the situation in Poonch "dire." Heavy artillery fire – the kind you don't see every day – has caused a shocking number of civilian casualties. Ten people died in Poonch town alone, according to unofficial word from senior bureaucrats. Tarun spoke to locals who said they’d never seen anything like it. Small-arms fire has been a constant thing since April 22nd, but this escalation to heavy artillery? That's a whole new level of terrifying. He actually finished his interview about ten minutes after the shelling in Poonch stopped, though the firing along the LoC continued. Mendar and Rajouri were also hit, though less severely. Reports from Mendar are conflicting – one official death confirmed, but some sources say it's closer to three.
Honestly, who saw this coming? It feels like things just spiraled completely out of control.
The Toll: Casualties and Fear
The official casualty numbers from the Centre or Defence Ministry haven’t been released yet. But unofficial reports suggest a heavy toll. And the fear? It's palpable. Poonch is gripped by panic. Chaos. It’s understandable, really. People along the LoC are used to some level of firing, but this was on a completely different scale. This wasn’t just skirmishes along the border; shells were landing in the town center. That’s what’s truly alarming. The sheer number of deaths in just the first night is horrifying compared to the usual scattering of casualties over days or weeks.
Mass Exodus and the Response
People are fleeing. About 2,000 people have already left the Dutty area of Mendar, and countless more are heading toward Jammu. Authorities are scrambling, preparing for a potential mass displacement. They’re setting up shelter camps – Caramel School, Chandak, Dingla University Campus, and several schools and colleges across the Poonch district. They're promising accommodation, food, and medical help.
Meanwhile, in Jammu, it’s all hands on deck. Troops are being mobilized, heavy artillery and tanks are moving to border areas – Rajouri, Poonch, Arnia, Araspura, and Bishnah. Old bunkers are getting reinforced. People near the International Border are moving inland. Schools in Jammu are closed. It's a scene of intense preparedness.
International Fallout
Operation Sindoor and the subsequent shelling have drawn international attention. India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, briefed several countries. Pakistan, understandably, condemned the strikes and threatened retaliation. China and others have expressed concerns and urged both sides to de-escalate. The situation’s sparked widespread condemnation, particularly after reports of civilian casualties and damage to a Gurdwara in Poonch. Families are desperate, fleeing their homes, terrified of what might come next.
What Now?
The situation remains incredibly tense and dangerous. The shelling has caused immense suffering and displacement. This whole aftermath of Operation Sindoor just highlights the brutal reality of the India-Pakistan conflict and the devastating impact on innocent civilians. The international community’s response, and the choices made by both countries, will determine what happens next. It’s a terrifying time for the people of Poonch, and the whole region is holding its breath.
FAQ
Intense shelling following India's Operation Sindoor has caused significant civilian casualties and displacement in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, escalating tensions along the Line of Control (LoC).
Information regarding the specifics of 'Operation Sindoor' is limited in available sources; however, it seems this operation preceded the shelling in Poonch and is related to the current India-Pakistan conflict.
The exact number of civilian casualties in the Poonch shelling is still being assessed, but reports indicate significant losses and displacement. More information will be available as the situation unfolds.
The shelling has led to a humanitarian crisis. Civilians have suffered casualties, injuries, and displacement, creating a need for urgent humanitarian aid and refugee support.
The international community is expressing concern over the escalating violence and the humanitarian crisis in Poonch, urging all parties to de-escalate and ensure the safety of civilians.
Poonch is located in the Jammu and Kashmir region, near the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan, making it a particularly vulnerable area to cross-border conflict.
The Line of Control (LoC) is a military control line separating the Indian-administered and Pakistani-administered territories of the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Urgent humanitarian aid is needed, including medical supplies, food, shelter, and support for displaced persons. International assistance is crucial to address the unfolding refugee crisis.
You can donate to reputable international aid organizations working on the ground in the region or advocate for increased international support and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The shelling in Poonch highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, with the conflict along the Line of Control (LoC) posing a significant threat to regional stability and causing immense suffering for civilians.
