Govt official, 2-yr-old among 5 killed in Pak shelling in J-K

Jammu, May 10, 2025 — Tensions flared once again along the Line of Control (LoC) as five civilians, including a government official and a two-year-old child, were killed in unprovoked shelling by Pakistani forces in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to officials, the shelling began late Friday evening and continued well into the night, targeting civilian areas in Balakote and Mendhar sectors. Houses were damaged, and panic gripped the border villages as mortars rained down from across the border.

Among the deceased were 42-year-old Tehsildar Mukesh Sharma, who was visiting his family in the region, and a toddler identified as Feroz Ahmed. Three other victims, including two women, succumbed to injuries at the district hospital.

Security forces and emergency services rushed to the scene for rescue operations, while the Indian Army responded to the ceasefire violation with targeted retaliation.

“This is a grave violation of the 2021 ceasefire agreement,” said a senior army officer. “Pakistan continues to provoke despite repeated warnings.”

The incident has sparked strong condemnation from Indian leaders, with Union Home Minister issuing a statement mourning the loss and promising strict diplomatic action.

Locals expressed grief and anger, demanding better protection and evacuation facilities. “We are not safe even in our homes,” said Abdul Latif, a resident of Mendhar.

Meanwhile, schools in the region have been shut down, and residents have been advised to remain indoors as a precautionary measure.

This attack marks one of the deadliest ceasefire violations in recent months and adds to the rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

International observers have urged both nations to exercise restraint and reinitiate diplomatic dialogue to avoid further escalation.

The situation along the LoC remains tense, with additional forces deployed in sensitive sectors to ensure civilian safety and maintain order.