JAMMU/SRINAGAR: At least a dozen civilians, including four children, were killed and more than 50 others wounded as Pakistan unleashed heavy artillery and mortar fire along LoC in J&K’s border districts early Wednesday following India’s Operation Sindoor — aerial strikes against terrorist sites in the neighbouring country in response to Pahalgam.Poonch district in Jammu region bore the brunt, reporting all civilian deaths and 42 of the wounded, officials said. Two CRPF men were also wounded when a shell exploded at a bus stand in Poonch town.This marked the 13th straight night of cross-border firing amid spiralling tension following the Pahalgam terrorist attack that left 26 people dead.“Pakistan again violates ceasefire agreement by firing artillery in Bhimber Gali in Poonch-Rajouri area. Indian Army is responding appropriately…,” Army posted on X.Shelling triggered panic across frontier villages, forcing residents into underground bunkers or prompting evacuations. Exact number of evacuees has not been disclosed. Poonch administration activated shelter camps at educational institutions. Food, accommodation, and medical care were assured at all facilities.Locals said shelling began around 1am and continued into early morning hours. Dozens of houses and vehicles suffered extensive damage as shells landed in areas, including Balakote, Mendhar, Mankote, Krishna Ghati, Gulpur, Kerni, and Poonch town.Victims were identified as M Zain Khan, 10; Zoya Khan, 12; M Akram, 40; Amrik Singh, 55; M Iqbal, 45; Ranjeet Singh, 48; Balvinder “Ruby” Kour, 33; Shakeela Bi, 40; Amarjeet Singh, 47; Maryam Khatoon, 7; Vihaan Bhargav, 13; and M Rafi, 40. Three others were wounded in Rajouri district.Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the ground situation with administrative and police officials. “We will ensure the safety of every citizen,” he said.CM Omar Abdullah convened an emergency meeting with chief secretary, divisional commissioners, and district heads. Ambulances were dispatched to border areas and health departments instructed to maintain stockpiles of medical supplies and ensure presence of doctors and paramedics.Omar expressed grief over civilian casualties and ordered immediate release of Rs 5 crore to each border district and Rs 2 crore to other districts to fund relief and emergency operations. “Priority must be given to frontier districts,” he said. Strengthening of shelters, evacuation readiness, and food stockpiles were emphasised.In Srinagar, calm largely prevailed. While schools near the airport were closed as a precaution, normal life continued in most parts. Civilian flights, including Haj departures, were suspended.Elsewhere, debris struck a school building in Wuyan of Pulwama, after locals reported an explosion and falling wreckage early Wednesday. No confirmation on the wreckage’s origin was given, but nearby houses shook and tree branches caught fire. Police and CRPF cordoned off the site while fire services removed debris using bulldozers.In north Kashmir, at least 15 civilians were wounded in Uri and Kupwara districts amid shelling in Gingal, Dachina, Salamabad, and Machil sectors. Batpora village in Karnah reported five homes destroyed. Many families began fleeing Machil sector after mortar shells struck residential areas around 1am.Police issued an advisory urging public to refrain from sharing content related to troop deployments and security operations.
