Poonch Shelling: Pakistan Kills 12 Civilians in LoC Attack

Published: May 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM IST

Pakistan has once again targeted civilians across the Line of Control (LoC), launching an intense shelling assault on the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. At least 12 civilians were killed, including five members of the Sikh community, in what is being condemned as a deliberate attack on non-combatants.

What We Know So Far

According to Times of India and Economic Times, the latest Pakistan army shelling began at dawn and continued for hours, hitting civilian areas in Poonch, including schools, markets, and a Gurudwara. Social media and local reports confirm widespread destruction, with multiple homes set ablaze and over a dozen people severely injured.

This is the deadliest civilian incident since India’s missile strikes on Pakistan under Operation Sindoor. The Indian Army has retaliated strongly, confirming casualties on both sides, and vowed further action if attacks continue.

Political and Military Reactions

In a statement, senior Indian officials condemned the Pakistan army attack on civilians as a war crime. “Targeting religious sites and innocent villagers shows Pakistan’s desperation,” said a spokesperson from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Defence sources confirmed that Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar of 5 Fd Regiment was martyred while returning fire during the shelling. #WhiteKnightCorps paid tribute on X (formerly Twitter), vowing to uphold national security across the LoC.

Social Media Reactions

• @kcvenugopalmp: “Pakistan’s attack in Poonch shows it is an inhuman power targeting civilians.”
• @Whiteknight_IA: “Saluting L/Nk Dinesh Kumar’s supreme sacrifice during Pakistan Army shelling.”
• @JitendraSalwar: “The killing of innocents is unforgivable. Justice must be swift and decisive.”

Why Poonch is Trending

The region of Poonch has become a major flashpoint on Google Trends, as searches spike for terms like “poonch attack,” “Pakistan army shelling,” “LOC tensions,” and “Operation Sindoor.” This comes amid calls for global condemnation and rising public anger in India.

FAQs

What happened in Poonch today?
Pakistan launched intense shelling in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 12 civilians including five Sikhs and damaging religious and civilian infrastructure.

Is this linked to Operation Sindoor?
Yes, the attacks are seen as a retaliation or escalation after India’s surgical strikes and missile operations targeting terror camps in Pakistan.

Has India responded?
The Indian Army has retaliated at multiple LoC sectors and warned of more strikes if Pakistani aggression continues.

Why is Poonch trending on Google?
Poonch is trending due to the civilian casualties, religious site damage, and mounting India-Pakistan conflict triggering mass social and media attention.