Discover the latest updates on the Pakistan attack on Poonch, India’s response through Operation Sindoor, and the impact on the border district of Jammu and Kashmir. Stay informed on escalating tensions and their historical context.
Pakistan Attack on Poonch: What Happened?
The Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir once again finds itself at the center of Indo-Pak conflict. On May 7, 2025, heavy shelling from Pakistan targeted civilian areas in Poonch following India’s retaliatory strike, Operation Sindoor, launched a day earlier. This marks a significant escalation in tensions across the Line of Control (LoC), raising concerns over regional stability and the safety of local populations.
What Triggered the Recent Clashes?
The conflict reignited after a brutal terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, where 26 Indian tourists were killed. Indian intelligence linked the attack to terror outfits based in Pakistan, prompting swift retaliation. On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking nine terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir reportedly linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. These precision strikes resulted in 26 deaths and 46 injuries, including civilians and children, according to Pakistani sources.
Pakistan’s Response and the Fallout in Poonch
Pakistan condemned the Indian airstrikes as a “violation of sovereignty,” with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif authorizing “corresponding actions.” This included heavy artillery shelling across the LoC, primarily targeting Poonch, a vulnerable border district.
Residents of Poonch were forced to flee their homes amid intense shelling. Civilian structures were damaged, and several lives were lost or displaced. The Indian Army responded with equal force, aiming to neutralize threats while protecting civilians.
Why Poonch Is Often Targeted
Poonch is a strategically important and historically volatile region. Situated near the LoC, it has often been the first point of contact in cross-border skirmishes. In April 2023, five Indian soldiers were ambushed and killed in Bhata Dhurian, Poonch, by the People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF)—a group with ties to Jaish-e-Mohammed.
These repeated incidents show how terror groups exploit the difficult terrain and proximity to the border to carry out attacks and retreat.
The Humanitarian Cost and Global Concern
The current situation in Poonch is dire. Hundreds of families have been displaced. Schools and homes lie in ruins. International bodies, including the United Nations, have expressed deep concern over civilian suffering and have called for restraint from both nations.
The Guardian and other global media outlets have reported firsthand accounts of fear and despair from local residents who described the experience as “hell on earth.”
What Lies Ahead?
The Poonch attack serves as a reminder of the fragility of peace in Kashmir. With two nuclear-armed neighbors locked in decades of hostility, every such incident poses the risk of broader conflict. While military actions might provide short-term strategic gain, lasting peace can only come through diplomacy, dialogue, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
Conclusion
The Pakistan attack on Poonch and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor underline the volatile nature of the LoC. As civilians bear the brunt of these geopolitical tensions, it’s crucial for global leaders and regional powers to promote peace-building efforts. Poonch deserves safety, stability, and a future free from fear.
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