SRINAGAR: Authorities evacuated hundreds of residents from villages along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, following intense shelling by the Pakistani army that killed at least 12 civilians and injured over 50, according to media reports.
The shelling, reportedly targeting forward areas in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla and Kupwara districts, began hours after India launched precision missile strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
Among the dead were four children and two women. Local officials said the shelling was indiscriminate and included artillery and mortar fire. “We had a sleepless night… I was waiting for the shelling to stop to shift my family of six,” said Mohd Arshid, a resident of Mankote in Poonch, one of the worst-hit areas.
In several districts, residents were relocated to safer areas such as government buildings and colleges. “Though there was no shelling in our village, we were told to shift to ITI College in R S Pura,” said Liaqat Ali of Jorian village, which lies close to the IB.
Many families moved voluntarily, fearing escalation. “It is safe to move out for the time being till the situation normalises,” said Munshi Ram of Pragwal village in Akhnoor sector. Authorities have arranged basic facilities in the temporary shelters and prioritised the safety of women and children.
Reports from the ground indicated panic in affected zones, with civilians fleeing amid fear of further attacks. In Jammu, several rallies were held in support of the armed forces, praising the cross-border strikes. “The Pahalgam terror victims have been given justice today,” said local shopkeeper Pawan Gupta.
Political leaders condemned the Pakistani aggression. “Pakistan’s mindless targeting of civilian areas in Poonch, Mendhar, and Uri is highly condemnable and violates international conventions,” said Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra, urging secure evacuation and long-term rehabilitation for affected families.
Former BJP state president Ravinder Raina echoed the sentiments, asserting that the central government would ensure proper support for displaced civilians.
District administrations, according to media reports, have mobilised resources to assist evacuees, while security agencies continue to monitor developments along the border amid heightened tensions.
