New Delhi (India), May 13: Following India’s precision strikes on terror infrastructure during Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan escalated the conflict by targeting civilian areas, including Gurudwaras, temples, and madrasas, in Jammu and Kashmir. This indiscriminate shelling, which killed over 20 people (mostly Muslims) and injured many others, demonstrates Pakistan’s blatant disregard for international law.
Among those killed were four children, while several others sustained injuries due to the shelling. Pakistan specifically targeted the Sikh community by attacking a Gurudwara in Poonch and the homes of community members, leading to the deaths of at least three individuals. The attack also damaged civilian infrastructure, shattered windows, cracked walls, and scattered debris across villages.
Pakistan initially denied targeting religious sites, falsely claiming that Indian armed forces had attacked cities like Amritsar. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned these statements, calling them desperate attempts to disown acts of aggression. Misri reiterated that Pakistan’s attack on the Gurdwara in Poonch led to the deaths of community members, including a Ragi of the Gurdwara.
In addition to attacking the Sikh community, Pakistani shelling targeted a school, killing two students and injuring their parents. A shell fired from Pakistan struck the Christ School in Poonch, causing significant damage. Another shell hit a Christian convent, destroying solar panel infrastructure and water tanks. Fortunately, the school was closed at the time, preventing further casualties.
President of the Poonch District Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, Narinder Singh, confirmed that the Pakistani shelling caused immense damage to civilian areas, including Gurudwaras, a temple, and a mosque, killing a teacher. He urged the Jammu and Kashmir government and the Centre to take measures to improve the situation.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal condemned the attack on the Central Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib, which resulted in the deaths of three Sikhs. Badal expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and demanded compensation for their loss.
After Operation Sindoor, Pakistan continued violating the ceasefire by targeting civilian areas in Jammu and Kashmir, causing panic and damaging homes. India’s precision strikes were a response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people. Over 100 terrorists were killed during the operation.
Despite Pakistan’s claims of India’s violation of Article 51 of the UN Charter, the Indian Armed Forces effectively repelled the aggression and targeted several Pakistani airbases. Both countries have now reached an understanding to cease firing and military action after the Pakistan DGMO reached out to his Indian counterpart.
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