Pakistan's cross-border shelling kills five, including Rajouri official, targets civilians and places of worship

Security personnel and civilians gather near vehicles damaged due to an attack from Pakistan, in Jammu. (PIC/PTI) 

Amid heightened tensions, Pakistan Army launched heavy cross-border shelling targeting civilian areas across Jammu, Poonch, and Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir in the early hours of Saturday. The attacks led to the deaths of at least five individuals, including a senior government official, and injured several others. Extensive damage was also reported to homes, religious places, and public infrastructure, as per PTI.

According to official sources, as per PTI, Raj Kumar Thapa, the Additional District Development Commissioner of Rajouri, was fatally injured when an artillery shell struck his government residence in Rajouri town. Two of his staff members were also seriously wounded in the same strike. Despite being rushed to the Government Medical College, Thapa succumbed to his injuries. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep grief on social media, noting that Thapa had participated in an online meeting with the Deputy CM just a day earlier.

The shelling also claimed the life of two-year-old Aisha Noor and 35-year-old Mohammad Shohib near an industrial area in Rajouri. Meanwhile, in the Mendhar sector of Poonch district, 55-year-old Rashida Bi was killed when a mortar shell hit her home in Kanghra-Galhutta village. Another civilian, Ashok Kumar (alias Shoki), died in Bidipur Jatta village in Jammu's R S Pura sector due to gunfire from across the border. At least three more persons were injured in Poonch and were taken to a nearby hospital.

In Jammu city, residential areas like Rehari and Roop Nagar suffered significant damage. In Roop Nagar, projectile debris fell near the main gate of the Aap Shambhu Temple, a site frequented by morning devotees. Fortunately, the early activation of a siren alert system prevented further casualties. Jammu Police, along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have retrieved shell fragments and cordoned off affected areas.

Residents described the bombardment as deliberate targeting of civilians and places of worship. Balbir Singh, a local from Poonch, told ANI, "Our homes, gurdwaras, temples, and mosques have all been damaged. But we will not leave Poonch. We will stand by the Army."

Intermittent firing continues along the Line of Control (LoC), with drones and projectile attacks reported at 26 locations, including Baramulla, Srinagar, Jammu, and even Punjab's Amritsar district, where debris was found in agricultural fields.

In response, Indian armed forces launched retaliatory strikes in the early hours of Saturday, reportedly targeting four Pakistani airbases. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that all aerial threats, including suspected armed drones, are being tracked and neutralised with counter-drone systems. Citizens, especially in border regions, have been advised to remain indoors and strictly follow safety advisories.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned Pakistan's actions, stating that targeting civilian infrastructure and religious institutions marked "a new low even for Pakistan." The situation remains tense, with heightened military preparedness and ongoing monitoring of border activity.

(With inputs from Agencies)