“With All Eyes on Poonch, Jammu- Innocents Caught in the Crossfire”

By Tisha Jadav
With increased tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), the border district of Poonch has become a dismal battlefield not only between countries but also, at the tragic cost of its people, between civilians. Pakistan’s reaction under ‘Operation Sindoor’ has regrettably affected innocent lives while India conducted exact assaults aimed at terror infrastructures. After the terrible Pahalgam terrorist assault that killed 26 Indian visitors, the Indian Armed Forces started Operation Sindoor, aiming nine recognized terrorist camps throughout Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Targeting destroying facilities used by groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which are directly connected to continuous cross-border incursions, the strikes aimed at Pakistan’s response was indiscriminate shelling over civilian areas in the Poonch district, in sharp contrast to India’s precise strikes. At least 15 civilians including women, children and men have died; 43 more have been injured. Many homes, among other things, ruined include important public infrastructure, religious sites including a Sikh gurdwara. Local sources say that this shelling concentrated mostly on towns and civilian habitations rather than on any Indian military facilities. Strongly denouncing the assault, the Gurudwara Committee Chief in Poonch said, “Pakistan has no sense of humanity; they are targeting people without any role in conflict.” The consequence is a growing humanitarian disasters.  Many of families have been displaced; many have sought refuge in makeshift huts and underground bunkers amidst continual shelling. The threat of ongoing bombardment impairs emergency relief efforts and disrupts vital services. While some affected regions have limited food and medical resources, local hospitals are grappling with a sudden surge of trauma cases. The world community has reacted with alarm about the situation. World leaders and institutions have urged calm and peaceful dialogue, asking both sides to give civilian safety top priority and go back to diplomatic contacts. These voices emphasize de-escalation to avert a wider war and humanitarian catastrophe with tensions running high. Originally intended as a counter-terror operation by India, this has now devolved into a situation in which innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmir especially in Poonch are paying the most price. Not only to track military activity, the global spotlight has to stay firmly on this region to guarantee that innocent lives are shielded from the irresponsible effects of cross-border animosity. What was meant to be a counter-terror operation by India has now devolved into a situation where innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Poonch, are paying the heaviest price?  “As citizens of India, we express our heartfelt support with the innocent lives of Poonch may their courage shine through this darkness, and may justice silence the guns that threaten their peace.” JAI HIND.