Jammu, May 7 (UNI) At least ten civilians, including a woman and two children, were killed and as many as 45 injured after Pakistan resorted to heavy firing on Wednesday in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
Official sources here said during overnight heavy firing by Pakistan, a woman, two children among ten people have lost their lives and 45 sustained injuries in Poonch sector.
“A woman was killed when a mortar shell fired from across the border exploded in her house while her 13 years old daughter suffered injuries,” official sources said.
Border district Poonch remained the most affected of shelling by Pakistan, adding they said, “around 14 people suffered injuries in other parts of Poonch sector and in Thandikassi area of Rajouri, four people including two women have suffered injuries.”
“Several houses and vehicles have also been damaged in the heavy shelling by Pakistan,” they added.
They said besides Mankote area, Indian Army befittingly responded to Pakistan Army in Krishna Ghati, Shahpur, Laam, Manjakote and Gambhir Brahmana areas in Rajouri also retaliated to the shelling.
The deceased were identified as Mohd Adil, Saleem Hussain, Ruby Kour, Mohd Zain (10), Mohd Akram (55), Amrik Singh, Ranjit Singh, Zoya Khan (12), Mohd Rafi and Mohd Iqbal, all residents of Poonch.
Meanwhile Army said during the night of May 6-7, Pakistan Army resorted to arbitrary firing including artillery shelling from posts across the Line of Control and International Border opposite Jammu and Kashmir.
The office of Divisional Commissioner Jammu posted on X, “In view of the prevailing situation all School, Colleges and educational institutions in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch will remain closed today."
“Due to the ongoing situation, Jammu (IXJ) Airport has been closed for civil flights until further notice and passengers have been advised to plan their journey accordingly and check flight status,” said an official.
However, heavy shelling was also reported from Baramulla, Kupwara and Uri in parts of Kashmir.
Locals said several houses were damaged in the intense shelling which began at 11 pm.
In the backdrop of Pahalgam attack, India during early hours of Wednesday has striked inside Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and Pakistan at various places against terror sites.
The Indian Armed Forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor', hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed, a Defence Ministry statement said.
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