Jobaaj Stories
Poonch District: A Crossroads of Conflict and Civilian Suffering
The serene beauty of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir, nestled along the Line of Control (LoC), has been tragically marred by escalating violence between India and Pakistan. Recent events have thrust this region into the international spotlight, highlighting the devastating impact of cross-border conflict on innocent civilians.
The Devastation in Poonch
In early May 2025, Pakistan initiated a series of unprovoked ceasefire violations along the LoC, unleashing a barrage of artillery shelling and indiscriminate firing on residential areas. Poonch district bore the brunt of this attack, with a staggering 44 civilians injured. The attacks, which began on the night of May 6th and intensified through May 7th, continued even after India launched Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory military offensive targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan.
- Casualties: The shelling resulted in a tragic loss of civilian life, with 13 confirmed deaths and 59 injuries across multiple areas along the LoC including Poonch, Rajouri, and Tangdhar.
- Targets: Residential areas in Poonch were specifically targeted, resulting in shattered homes, damaged infrastructure, and widespread fear among the population. Visuals from the affected areas showed the scale of destruction.
- Displacement: Many families were forced to flee their homes overnight, seeking shelter in safer areas. Yet, despite the danger, many residents demonstrated resilience, vowing to remain in their homes.
The shelling was particularly intense, with Pakistan using heavy artillery, mortars, and small arms. The attack represented a grave breach of the 2021 ceasefire agreement and was met with strong condemnation from India. The Indian Army responded with coordinated counter-attacks.
Operation Sindoor and the Cycle of Retaliation
Operation Sindoor, a major tri-services military offensive, was launched by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, including tourists. This operation targeted nine terror infrastructure sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), utilizing precision-guided munitions. The operation's success was widely reported, with all objectives confirmed hit. International support for India's right to self-defense was largely widespread.
However, the retaliatory strikes by Pakistan against civilian populations in Poonch and other areas underscore the dangerous cycle of violence. While India maintains that peace is impossible without Pakistan dismantling terrorist networks operating from its soil, the continued shelling and civilian casualties highlight the fragility of the situation.
Poonch: A Community Under Siege
Poonch residents described the shelling as one of the most intense in over 40 years. The impact on civilians is profound, with families facing displacement, immense loss, and a constant fear for their safety. The shelling resulted in widespread damage, affecting homes, religious sites (including the central Gurdwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha), and other civilian infrastructure.
The events in Poonch serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for dialogue and de-escalation to prevent further violence and protect innocent lives.
Conclusion
The situation in Poonch, a tragic consequence of the escalating India-Pakistan conflict, requires urgent attention. The targeting of civilians, the destruction of homes and sacred places, and the displacement of families demand international pressure for de-escalation and a lasting resolution. Only through a commitment to peace and dialogue can a future be secured where border communities are safe from the devastating impact of cross-border violence. The loss of life, the destruction, and the suffering highlight the urgent need for both sides to return to the negotiation table and prioritise the safety and well-being of the innocent civilians living in areas affected by the conflict. The international community must exert pressure on both countries to engage in constructive talks to find a sustainable and peaceful resolution.
