Watch the video: Pakistan Army Shelling Targets Civilian Areas in Poonch: Casualties Mount

Poonch, Jammu & Kashmir, May 7, 2025 – The Pakistan Army has intensified shelling and indiscriminate firing on civilian areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and Rajouri districts, resulting in a rising number of casualties and widespread damage. The attacks, which began on the night of May 6-7, 2025, have claimed at least eight civilian lives and injured over 25 others, according to Indian officials.

The heavy mortar shelling targeted forward villages in Krishna Ghati, Shahpur, and Mankote sectors of Poonch, as well as Laam, Manjakote, and Gambeer Brahmana in Rajouri. Reports indicate that houses, shops, and schools have been damaged, forcing residents to seek refuge in underground bunkers. A woman and her daughter were among the injured when their home in Poonch was hit by mortar fire.

The Indian Army has responded with proportionate retaliation, targeting Pakistani posts along the LoC. “Pakistan again violates the Ceasefire Agreement by firing artillery in Bhimber Gali in Poonch-Rajouri area. Indian Army is responding appropriately in a calibrated manner,” the Indian Army stated on X.

The shelling follows India’s Operation Sindoor, a pre-dawn offensive on May 7, 2025, which struck nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Pakistani media has reported multiple casualties on their side, though exact figures remain unconfirmed.

In response to the escalating violence, all schools, colleges, and educational institutions in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch have been closed, and examinations scheduled for May 7 have been postponed by Kashmir University. “In view of the prevailing situation, all schools, colleges, and educational institutions in these districts will remain closed today,” said Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar on X.

Social media posts on X have highlighted the severity of the situation, with visuals showing significant damage to civilian infrastructure in Poonch. One user reported, “Pakistani forces have been targeting civilian areas in Poonch. Substantial damage has been caused to schools, houses, shops, and other establishments.”

The ongoing cross-border hostilities have heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with both sides accusing each other of provocation. The international community, including the U.S., has urged de-escalation, while the UN has offered mediation to restore peace.