Jammu and Kashmir Government Official Among Seven Killed in Pakistani Shelling Incident

Amid intense mortar shelling and drone strikes by Pakistan, seven people, including a senior Jammu and Kashmir official and two security officers, lost their lives. Over 25 others were injured in the Jammu region on Saturday. These incidents occurred just before India and Pakistan agreed to cease hostilities. The tensions had escalated after Indian forces targeted terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir earlier this week.

Residents of Jammu city and nearby towns were awakened by air raid sirens and loud explosions around 5 am. Many border residents endured a sleepless night due to the heavy cross-border shelling. Defence officials reported that Pakistan's escalation with drone strikes and other munitions persisted along the western borders on Saturday.

Casualties and Damage

Additional District Development Commissioner Rajouri, Raj Kumar Thapa, was seriously injured when an artillery shell struck his residence in Rajouri town. He was rushed to Government Medical College but succumbed to his injuries. Expressing grief, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated, "Devastating news from Rajouri. We have lost a dedicated officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Administration Services."

Subedar Major Pawan Kumar from Himachal Pradesh died when a Pakistani artillery shell exploded near his post in the Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch. A senior Border Security Force officer reported that sub-inspector Mohammed Imteyaz made the supreme sacrifice during cross-border firing while leading from the front along the International Border in the R S Pura sector.

Impact on Civilians

In Rajouri town, two-year-old Aisha Noor and 35-year-old Mohd Shohib were killed, while three others were injured in shelling near an industrial area. In Kanghra-Galhutta village of Poonch district, 55-year-old Rashida Bi lost her life when a mortar shell hit her house. Three more people were injured in intense shelling in Poonch.

Zakir Hussain, aged 45, was killed in Kheri Keran village on Jammu's outskirts. Two others, including a girl, were injured in the same incident. Four people sustained injuries when artillery shells and suspected drones hit residential areas in Jammu city, including Rehari and Roop Nagar.

Response and Ceasefire

On May 9, around 2100 hrs, Pakistan opened fire on BSF posts in the Jammu sector without provocation. The BSF responded appropriately, causing significant damage to Pakistan Rangers' posts along the International Border. "Our resolve to protect India's sovereignty is unshaken," stated the forces' Jammu unit on X.

The debris of Pakistani kamikaze drones intercepted by Indian Army's air defence network was found in open fields at several locations, including Bishnah and Parmandal in Jammu. Police advised the public not to touch or move any suspicious material or fallen UAVs.

Political Reactions

Tensions between India and Pakistan soared after Indian Armed Forces conducted precision strikes targeting terror launchpads in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. Hours after agreeing to stop military actions, New Delhi accused Islamabad of breaching this understanding.

In a late-night media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri urged Pakistan to address these violations seriously. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced a Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia for each person killed in the cross-border shelling.

The situation remained tense as shops in Jammu city stayed closed during the day but reopened following the ceasefire announcement. Police issued helpline numbers for public safety and advised vigilance against suspicious activities or materials.

With inputs from PTI