Daijiworld Media Network – Poonch
Poonch, May 9: Tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) soared early Friday morning as heavy shelling by Pakistani forces claimed the life of a villager and left three others, including a woman, injured in the Loran and Mendhar sectors of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district.
The deceased has been identified as Mohd Abrar, a resident of Loran, while among the injured is Layaqat Hussain from Chalery in Mendhar. Officials said the shelling also caused substantial damage to residential properties and vehicles, further exacerbating panic in the border villages
The pre-dawn assault, marked by a series of high-intensity explosions between 3.50 am and 4.45 am, triggered blackouts and the blaring of sirens. Air defence systems were activated as drones and other aerial objects were detected and successfully neutralised over Jammu skies. Visuals from the region showed Indian forces springing into action to thwart incoming threats.
“Indian Army remains committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. All nefarious designs will be responded to with force,” stated the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) in a post on X.
The shelling reportedly targeted areas across Rajouri, Poonch, Jammu, and Kashmir’s Kupwara and Baramulla districts. In response, Indian troops retaliated strongly, holding their ground and ensuring that damage was contained.
Following the escalation, authorities initiated urgent evacuation measures. Residents from villages along the LoC in Poonch, Rajouri, and Jammu districts have been moved to safer zones. Relief camps have been set up to accommodate the displaced families.
In view of the security situation, all schools, colleges, and universities in the affected areas have been shut until further notice.
Poonch Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal and SSP Shafket Hussain personally visited the Mangnar sector to oversee evacuation and security arrangements. They reviewed troop deployments and interacted with ground forces to ensure preparedness and coordination.
The shelling comes a day after the Indian defence forces successfully intercepted eight missiles and multiple drones launched from across the border. The attempted strike, reminiscent of Hamas-style tactics, targeted key military and civilian locations in Jammu, including Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia. Thanks to the swift response by Indian air defence units, all threats were neutralised without civilian casualties.
Meanwhile, the Army confirmed that as many as 15 Indian civilians lost their lives and 43 others were injured during Pakistan’s unprovoked shelling along the LoC and the International Border earlier this week.
The situation remains tense as authorities continue to monitor developments along the LoC, with heightened vigilance and preparedness in place across the region.