The Pakistani Army resumed unprovoked cross-border shelling along multiple sectors of the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on May 7-8, 2025. This escalation occurred a day after Indian forces conducted Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Pakistan’s Unprovoked Firing
During the night of May 7-8, Pakistani Army posts initiated firing using small arms and artillery guns across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian armed forces responded effectively to this unprovoked aggression.
The Pakistani side specifically targeted civilian areas in the Karnah region, launching shells and mortars after midnight, according to officials.
“During the night of 07-08 May 2025, Pakistan Army posts resorted to unprovoked fire using Small Arms and Artillery Guns across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri and Akhnoor areas in J&K. Indian Army responded proportionately,” army sources reported.
This intense shelling followed Indian armed forces’ missile attacks on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as part of ‘Operation Sindoor’ on Wednesday.
Heavy mortar shelling from Pakistan was reported in forward villages along the LoC in Krishna Ghati, Shahpur, and Mankote in Poonch, Laam, Manjakote, and Gambeer Brahmana in the Rajouri district of the Jammu region, and the Karnah area of Kupwara district in north Kashmir.
Civilian Casualties and Damage
The Pakistani shelling resulted in significant civilian casualties and damage. At least 13 people, including four children and a soldier, were killed, and 57 others were injured. This marked one of the most intense artillery and mortar shelling incidents in recent years targeting forward villages along the LoC.
Hundreds of residents were forced to seek refuge in underground bunkers or relocate to safer areas as the indiscriminate shelling from Pakistan damaged houses, vehicles, and various buildings, including a Gurdwara. The shelling created widespread panic among border residents, particularly in the worst-hit Poonch and Rajouri districts in the Jammu region, and Baramulla and Kupwara in north Kashmir.
This intense shelling was the first of its kind since the ceasefire agreement between the two countries was renewed on February 25, 2021.
Poonch district accounted for all 13 deaths, with 42 people injured, including two in serious condition. Shelling was reported throughout the LoC in Poonch, including Balakote, Mendhar, Mankote, Krishna Ghati, Gulpur, Kerni, and the Poonch district headquarters, causing damage to numerous houses and vehicles.
Three Sikh men were killed when an artillery shell struck a Gurdwara and adjacent houses in Poonch town. Several political parties in Punjab condemned the attack.
Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed his condemnation on X, stating, “Strongly condemn the inhuman attack by Pakistani forces on the sacred Central Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Poonch, in which three innocent Gursikhs, including Bhai Amrik Singh Ji (a raagi Singh), Bhai Amarjeet Singh and Bhai Ranjit Singh lost their lives.”
Ten people, including five children, were also injured in cross-border shelling in the Uri sector of the Baramulla district, while three others were injured in the Rajouri district. Shelling in the Karnah sector of the Kupwara district also caused several houses to catch fire.
FAQs on Cross-Border Shelling and India-Pakistan Tensions
What triggered the renewed cross-border shelling?
The shelling followed India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Which areas were affected by the shelling?
The shelling occurred across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir.
Were civilians targeted in the shelling?
Yes, Pakistani forces targeted civilian areas, resulting in casualties and damage to homes and religious sites.
What were the casualties of the shelling?
At least 13 people, including four children and a soldier, were killed, and 57 were injured.
How intense was the shelling compared to recent events?
This was described as one of the most intense artillery and mortar shelling incidents in years, and the first of its kind since the ceasefire agreement renewal on February 25, 2021.
What was the impact on local residents?
The shelling forced hundreds of residents to seek refuge in underground bunkers or relocate to safer areas, causing widespread panic.
Was any religious site damaged?
Yes, an artillery shell hit a Gurdwara in Poonch town, resulting in the deaths of three Sikh men.
How has India responded to the shelling?
The Indian armed forces retaliated effectively against the unprovoked firing.
What is the current state of the ceasefire agreement?
The recent shelling is a violation of the ceasefire agreement renewed between India and Pakistan on February 25, 2021.
What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was a military operation launched by India, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.