Tragic Shelling in Poonch: Lives Lost and Historic Sites Damaged

Cross-border shelling by Pakistan Army in Poonch caused significant civilian damage, killing around 12 people, including three Sikhs. Religious sites like Gurudwara and a mosque were hit. The Indian Armed Forces subsequently launched Operation Sindoor to respond to terrorist activities, ensuring minimal civilian impact.

In a harrowing turn of events, cross-border shelling by the Pakistan Army has wreaked havoc in Poonch district. Civilian areas bore the brunt, leading to the tragic loss of nearly 12 lives, according to Narinder Singh, President of the District Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, on Wednesday. The violence extended to religious sites where shells hit the Shri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara, a mosque, and Geeta Bhawan, plunging the region into panic.

The situation prompted Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal to condemn the attacks, calling them inhuman, and expressing solidarity with the victims. He identified the deceased Sikhs as Amrik Singh Ji, Bhai Amarjeet Singh, and Ranjit Singh, demanding compensation for their families. The Indian government responded with Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist infrastructure, emphasizing minimal civilian impact.

As tensions escalated, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Armed Forces' precision in addressing terrorist threats in response to the Pahalgam attack. He reiterated India's stance on non-retaliatory but protective measures, supported by intelligence inputs of potential threats. The operation successfully neutralized nine terrorist camps without harming civilians, showcasing India's commitment to peace and security.

(With inputs from agencies.)