MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Indian shelling in Azad Kashmir has once again brought tragedy to innocent civilians, with four people martyred and several others injured in overnight attacks on residential areas in Bagh, Kotli, Samahni, Neelum and Leepa.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, Indian forces launched unprovoked shelling at the suburban area of Chowki in Bagh district. A shell directly hit a house, resulting in the martyrdom of 22-year-old Usama, while his two sisters sustained injuries. The injured were rushed to District Hospital Bagh for treatment. Local sources confirmed the shelling began shortly after 3AM.
In another attack in the Khoiratta sector of Kotli, Indian forces again shelled the civilian population. This unprovoked attack led to the martyrdom of four innocent civilians and a 40-day-old baby, her mother Sara Asif, and a newlywed youth, Raja Shahpal. The attack caused further damage, severely injuring three women and two children.
In the Samahni Sector, the Indian Army’s shelling on the civilian population injured a girl, and reports of multiple Indian mortar shells falling on houses have also been received. Pakistan Army gave a full-fledged retaliatory response.
In the Neelum Valley, the Indian Army continued its violations of the Line of Control (LoC) for the third consecutive day today, targeting all sectors of Neelum with indiscriminate firing. Indian forces once again aimed at civilian populations in the valley, escalating tensions in the region.
The intense exchange of fire caused substantial damage to houses and government property in Leepa Valley. Communication and transportation were disrupted in the area, though no casualties from Leepa have been reported yet. Pakistan Army reacted swiftly, inflicting heavy damage to the Indian posts. Although calm has returned to the area, residents remain in shelters for safety.
According to Azad Kashmir Health Minister Dr Nisar Ansar Abdali, the injured include Imtiaz Begum, the wife of Khurshid Gorsi, Afra Khurshid, Tahira Khurshid, Zabinab, the wife of Sayyab Khurshid, and two minors. The victims were all targeted while inside their homes, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the assault.
Indian shelling in Azad Kashmir was also reported in the Haji Pir Sector, where Pakistani forces responded decisively. Security sources confirmed that the Indian Army’s Jhanda Ziarat post was destroyed in retaliation, causing substantial losses to the enemy. This follows earlier incidents where Indian checkpoints were taken out by Pakistan’s armed forces in similar defensive actions.
The Pakistan Army remains committed to protecting civilians and has warned that any future aggression will be met with a strong response.
Indian shelling in Azad Kashmir has once again exposed the brutality of targeting unarmed civilians. As tensions remain high, residents continue to rely on underground shelters for safety while authorities monitor the situation closely.
