Escalating Indo-Pak Tensions: Helpline Numbers Issued, Villages Evacuated, and Schools Closed Amid Heavy Shelling
Jammu, May 8, 2025 – The ongoing Indo-Pakistan conflict has intensified, with significant developments in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (JKUT). Following Pakistan’s heavy artillery shelling in the Uri district of Kashmir, civilians have been injured, and numerous houses damaged.
The Indian Army has responded proportionately to the aggression. In response to the escalating situation, forward villages in District Samba, JKUT, were evacuated last evening, with residents directed to move to safer locations.
The Divisional Commissioner of Jammu has released district-wise helpline numbers for control rooms operating 24/7 to assist residents in the affected areas:
- Jammu: 0191-2571912, 0191-2571616 (Civil Defence: 0191-2549100, 2544920)
- Samba: 01923-241004, 01923-246915
- Kathua: 01922-238796
- Poonch: 01965-220258, 9086253188
- Rajouri: 01962-260207, 01962-260033
- Udhampur: 01992-270212, 01992-276915
- Reasi: 01991245587, 01991-245757
- Ramban: 01998-255550, 01998-266790
- Doda: 01996-233530, 234413, 7298923100
- Kishtwar: 1995-259555, 9482217492
Educational Institutions Closed: Due to the prevailing situation, all schools, colleges, and educational institutions (both private and government) in the districts of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch will remain closed today that is on 8th of May also.
Government Response: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan to meet President Murmu, followed by a Cabinet meeting. Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to hold a video conference with the Chief Ministers of all border states. The Modi government has also called an all-party meeting tomorrow at 11 AM to address the crisis.
This comes amidst heightened military activity, with India conducting large-scale civil defense drills across 244 areas and military exercises in Rajasthan near the Pakistan border, following Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, which targeted terrorist sites in Pakistan. Pakistan’s air force has launched retaliatory operations, further escalating tensions along the Line of Control (LoC).
Latest Developments (May 8, 2025):
Operation Sindoor (May 7, 2025): India conducted coordinated missile and air strikes, dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine terrorist-linked sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including Muridke, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad. India claimed the strikes hit “terrorist infrastructure” without targeting Pakistani military facilities, emphasizing precision and restraint. Pakistan reported at least three civilian deaths, including a child, and 12 injuries, labeling the strikes an “act of war” and a violation of sovereignty. Pakistani authorities claimed to have downed five Indian fighter jets, though India has not confirmed this. Pakistan vowed a retaliatory response “at a time and place of its choosing.”Skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC) have been ongoing since April 24, with Pakistan resorting to unprovoked small-arms fire for 12 consecutive nights across multiple sectors (Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor). India responded proportionately.In Pakistan, public sentiment is weary of war due to economic struggles and political instability, despite defiant official rhetoric. In India, public outrage over the Pahalgam attack has fueled calls for action, Pakistan’s air force has launched retaliatory operations, claiming to have targeted Indian positions without crossing into Indian airspace.
India is conducting large-scale civil defense drills across 244 areas and military exercises in Rajasthan near the Pakistan border, signaling preparedness for further escalation.
