Daijiworld Media Network - Poonch

Poonch, May 9: In a chilling escalation of hostilities along the Line of Control, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday accused Pakistan of deliberately targeting places of worship, calling the action a ‘new low’ even by its standards.

During heavy shelling in the early hours of May 7, a shell fired from across the border struck just behind the Christ School in Poonch, run by the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate congregation. The attack turned tragic when another shell hit the home of two students from the school, claiming their lives and severely injuring their parents.

In another disturbing incident, a shell struck a convent of the Mother of Carmel, damaging water tanks and destroying solar panels installed at the premises.

"Several priests, nuns, school staff, and local residents were forced to take shelter in an underground hall beneath the Christ School. Thankfully, the school was closed at the time, or the casualty count could have been worse," said Misri.

He further stated, “We are witnessing a pattern in Pakistan’s actions — targeting Gurudwaras, temples, and now Christian institutions. This is a targeted assault on places of worship.”

Misri also slammed Pakistan for its denial of the attacks, branding it a display of duplicity, and confirmed that Indian armed forces gave a “proportionate and decisive” response under Operation Sindoor, which saw missile strikes on nine terror hideouts in Pakistan and PoJK.

The Pakistani Army retaliated with intense shelling in Poonch, Uri, Kupwara, Tangdhar, and Karnah sectors, continuing for three consecutive days. Four Sikhs were among the civilians killed in the Poonch attack. Several homes and vehicles were damaged, and many locals were left injured as the situation along the LoC remains tense.

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