Poonch, Jammu & Kashmir: Several villages in the Poonch district of Jammu & Kashmir are reeling under destruction after intense shelling by Pakistani forces, leaving multiple homes damaged and residents displaced overnight.
The cross-border firing began late Monday and continued into the early hours of Tuesday, targeting civilian pockets in the forward areas of Balakote, Mendhar, and Krishna Ghati sectors.
Families Flee, Homes Turn to Rubble
Locals described a terrifying night as mortar shells rained down on their homes, forcing families to flee into underground bunkers or seek refuge in nearby shelters.
“We couldn’t sleep. The sound of blasts shook the entire village. Our roof is gone, and everything inside is destroyed,” said a resident of Balakote, holding his child outside what remained of his home.
Initial reports suggest at least a dozen homes have suffered heavy structural damage, with livestock and crops also affected. So far, there have been no confirmed reports of civilian casualties, though several people have sustained minor injuries from flying debris.
Army and Administration on Alert
The Indian Army responded strongly to the provocation, engaging in retaliatory firing to silence enemy positions. Security forces have now sealed off the worst-hit areas and are conducting a sweep to assess unexploded shells.
Local administration teams, along with disaster response personnel, have reached the affected villages to assist in evacuations and provide temporary shelter, food, and medical aid.
Growing Concerns of Escalation
This escalation comes amid heightened military tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror bases across the border. Defense experts believe the shelling is a retaliatory tactic, aimed at provoking India or destabilizing civilian morale near the border.
The Union Home Ministry is closely monitoring the situation, and senior defense officials are expected to visit the region for an on-ground assessment.
