Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a deadly surge in cross-border hostilities as shelling by Pakistani forces killed at least seven civilians and injured 38 others late Tuesday night and early Wednesday. The escalation comes in the wake of Indian precision strikes on terror infrastructure across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
“During the night of 06-07 May 2025, Pakistan Army resorted to arbitrary firing including Artillery shelling from posts across the Line of Control and IB opposite J&K,” said Lt Colonel Suneel Baratwal, PRO (Defence), Northern Command. He added: “The Indian Army are responding in proportionate manner.”
Several sectors along the border witnessed heavy exchange of fire. Shelling was reported in Krishna Ghati, Shahpur, and Mankote areas of Poonch district, while Rajouri saw firing in Laam, Manjakote, and Gambeer Brahmana. The Kashmir Valley also experienced artillery fire in the Uri and Tangdhar sectors.
The latest hostilities follow India’s targeted operation earlier in the day, aimed at nine identified terror sites across the border. Dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” the strikes were described by the Defence Ministry as “focused, measured and non-escalatory,” with an emphasis that no Pakistani military facilities were hit. A civilian woman was reportedly killed in Mankote, although official confirmation was still pending.
Civilian life in border regions has been severely impacted. Authorities have announced the closure of all educational institutions in five border districts — Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch — citing safety concerns amid ongoing shelling. Security forces remain on high alert, with the situation along the LoC still volatile and the risk of further escalation looming.