- Heavy Shelling in Poonch: On May 7, 2025, Pakistan’s army shelled Poonch, killing at least 12 civilians and injuring over 50, following India’s Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist camps.
- Operation Sindoor Context: India’s strikes aimed at terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK were a response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people.
- Civilian Impact: The shelling damaged homes, a Gurudwara, and schools, forcing residents to flee to safer areas amid widespread fear.
- Security Response: The Indian Army retaliated, and authorities evacuated civilians while conducting nationwide defense drills.
- Controversy and Diplomacy: The escalation has drawn international calls for restraint, with concerns about further conflict, though India emphasizes its anti-terrorism focus.
What Happened?
On May 7, 2025, Poonch, a border district in Jammu and Kashmir, faced intense shelling from Pakistan, resulting in at least 12 civilian deaths, including women and children, and over 50 injuries. The attack damaged homes, vehicles, and even a Gurudwara, creating panic among residents. This violence followed India’s military operation, Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in retaliation for a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam.
Why Did This Happen?
The shelling appears to be Pakistan’s response to Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 6-7, 2025. The operation aimed to destroy terrorist infrastructure linked to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists. India’s government described the strikes as precise, targeting only terror sites to avoid escalation, but Pakistan’s shelling suggests heightened tensions along the Line of Control (LoC).
How Are People Affected?
Residents of Poonch, like Mohd Zahid, described the scene as a “war zone,” with families fleeing for safety. Many, like Khurshid Ahmad, moved to temporary shelters, leaving behind damaged homes. The emotional toll is immense, with fear gripping communities as they face an uncertain future.
What’s Being Done?
The Indian Army has responded to the shelling, targeting Pakistani posts, while authorities have evacuated hundreds to safer zones. Nationwide defense drills and high-level meetings show.
What Happened in Poonch: Latest Updates on Cross-Border Shelling and Security
On May 7, 2025, Poonch, a border district in Jammu and Kashmir, was rocked by intense cross-border shelling from Pakistan, resulting in significant civilian casualties and widespread damage. This escalation followed India’s military operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. The events have heightened tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), prompting security measures and international calls for restraint.
Background: Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian Armed Forces on the night of May 6-7, 2025, to neutralize terrorist camps responsible for planning and executing attacks on Indian soil, particularly the April 22, 2025, attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. The operation involved precision missile strikes on nine terror sites, including camps in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, and PoJK, destroying key infrastructure and eliminating numerous terrorists, with reports indicating 70 killed and 60 injured. The Indian government, through statements from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Ministry of Defence, emphasized that the operation was focused, measured, and aimed solely at terrorist elements, avoiding Pakistani military installations to prevent escalation
Details of the Shelling
In retaliation to Operation Sindoor, the Pakistan Army initiated heavy artillery and mortar shelling along the LoC in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Kupwara districts on May 7, 2025. Poonch was among the worst-hit areas, with at least 12 civilians, including three women and four children aged 7-14, killed and over 50 injured (The Hindu). Specific areas affected included Mendhar, Mankote, Balakote, Krishna Ghati, Sagra, Shahpur Kirni, and Poonch town. The shelling, described as the most intense since the 1999 Kargil War, damaged dozens of houses, vehicles, and public structures, including the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha and Christ School in Poonch.
Among the deceased were individuals like Amarjeet Singh, an ex-serviceman, and children like Zoya Khan, aged 12. The shelling created large craters, shattered buildings, and left bloodstains and debris across villages. One Indian soldier was also killed in the Poonch sector. The Pakistan Army’s actions were described as “barbaric and cowardly” by residents and officials, targeting densely populated civilian areas starting around 2 a.m.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Poonch sector, Mendhar, Balakote, Mankote, Krishna Ghati, Sagra, Shahpur Kirni, Poonch town |
| Date and Time | May 7, 2025, overnight |
| Casualties – Civilians Killed | 12 (including 3 women, 4 children) |
| Casualties – Civilians Injured | 51 total, 42 in Poonch |
| Military Casualties | 1 Indian soldier killed |
| Cause | Heavy mortar shelling and firing by Pakistan Army, unprovoked |
| Impact | Damaged houses, vehicles, Gurudwara, school; created craters, shattered glass |
Official Responses
The Indian Army responded proportionately to the ceasefire violations, targeting Pakistani posts and reportedly causing casualties, as confirmed in an X post: “Pakistan again violates the Ceasefire Agreement by firing artillery in Bhimber Gali in Poonch-Rajauri area. Indian Army is responding appropriately in a calibrated manner”. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated, “Only those who killed innocent civilians were targeted,” underscoring India’s anti-terrorism focus.
Home Minister Amit Shah convened a meeting with Chief Ministers of border states, directing them to ensure essential services and keep defense units on high alert (The Economic Times). Nationwide civil defense mock drills were conducted in 244 districts, and the Indian Air Force announced a major air exercise along the India-Pakistan border (India Today). J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah released ₹5 crore for border districts to support relief efforts.
Human Impact
The shelling profoundly affected Poonch’s residents. Mohd Zahid from Poonch city described the scene as a “war zone,” with injured people screaming and families seeking shelter. Khurshid Ahmad from Dhaki, caught off-guard by the nighttime attack, said, “We were lucky to survive the shelling and, therefore, it was better to move to some safer place” . Sardar Navneet Singh from Mankote accused Pakistan of targeting civilians in retaliation, noting, “The damage to our homes and property is massive.”
Forest guard Mohammad Sadiq reported two colleagues wounded, stating, “There’s fear everywhere.” Maqbool Ahmed echoed this, saying, “We are moving to safer places.” Hundreds were evacuated to temporary shelters, such as ITI College in R.S. Pura, with long queues at fuel stations as residents prepared for further disruptions. The emotional toll was evident, with families separated and some staying behind to protect properties.
Broader Implications
The situation along the LoC remains tense, with both nations on high alert. The Indian Air Force’s planned air exercise and the Army’s operational freedom to respond to violations signal preparedness for escalation. The escalation has drawn international attention, with Israel supporting India’s right to self-defense, while the UK, France, and the UN Security Council urged restraint and dialogue. Pakistan claimed eight deaths from India’s strikes and reserved the right to retaliate, raising concerns about further conflict.
The shelling disrupted civilian life, with Srinagar airport closed, schools shut, and farmers rushing to harvest crops. The targeting of a Gurudwara prompted condemnation from Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, who called it an “inhuman attack”. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar emphasized a “zero tolerance for terrorism,” signaling India’s firm stance.
As of May 7, 2025, Poonch remains under control, with security forces vigilant and civilian authorities supporting affected residents. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who monitored Operation Sindoor, continues to prioritize civilian safety and counter-terrorismf. However, the risk of escalation persists, and the human cost—evident in the stories of residents like Mohd Zahid and Sardar Navneet Singh—underscores the urgency of de-escalation. For the latest developments, follow reputable sources and official statements.
Key Citations
- Heavy Shelling by Pakistan in Poonch and Rajouri
- 12 Civilians Killed in Pakistan Shelling in Poonch
- Heavy Pakistani Shelling Leaves Destruction in Poonch
- Operation Sindoor Live Updates on Pahalgam Attack
- Pakistan Shelling in Poonch, Indian Army Responds
- Operation Sindoor Updates and SpiceJet Cancellations
- Operation Sindoor and India-Pakistan Tension Updates
- Operation Sindoor and Modi’s Zero Tolerance Policy
- Indian Armed Forces Launch Operation Sindoor
- Operation Sindoor and Zero Tolerance for Terrorism
- Operation Sindoor and Pakistan’s Shelling in Poonch
- Centre Urges Border States to Stay Alert
- J-K Border Residents Shifted Amid Shelling
- Three Civilians Killed in Poonch Shelling
- Nine Civilians Killed in Uri and Poonch Shelling
- J-K Residents Evacuated Amid Pakistani Shelling
- Heavy Shelling Post-Operation Sindoor in Poonch
