Srinagar: In one of the heaviest cross-border shelling incidents since the 2021 ceasefire agreement, panic swept through Kashmir’s frontier villages in Baramulla and Kupwara districts as several residents fled their homes or took shelter in underground bunkers. .
In the Jammu region, at least 10 lives have been lost to cross-border firing.
The shelling began late last night and came after India launched strikes on several terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
“I shifted my family to an underground bunker as soon as we heard the heavy blasts,” said Rafiq Ahmed, a resident of Uri sector in Baramulla. “Since the 2021 ceasefire, this was the worst night we have lived through.”
In the Uri sector, five civilians were reported injured in Pakistani shelling. In Kupwara, intense shelling damaged several homes in Karnah .
“Four houses caught fire after being hit by shells,” said a resident of Tangdhar.
Tensions have remained high since the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, with repeated ceasefire violations reported in most of the the 744 km long LoC in Jammu and kashmir.
While the Gurez sector in Bandipora remained largely calm, fear has already gripped the area.
“There’s peace for now, but we are afraid. Many families have left for Bandipora,” said a Gurez resident over the phone.
In Baramulla, some families from border villages have been shifted to safer locations in the town area.
In wake of the tense borders, J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assessed the ground situation.
In a post on X, office of the LG said he took stock of the situation in border districts of J&K with all the senior administrative, police & district officials including DCs of all the border districts.
“I’m closely monitoring the situation & govt is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality. I’ve also directed the DCs for shifting of villagers from vulnerable areas to safer locations and ensuring boarding, lodging, food, medicare and transportation. We will ensure safety of every citizen. Jai Hind!,” he said.
CM Omar also assessed the ground situation along the border and LoC.
“ Divisional Commissioners and DCs briefed on the prevailing situation. Emphasised on safeguarding civilian lives and ensuring timely response at all levels,” office of Chief Minister said.
