Early Wednesday morning, India launched targeted airstrikes on multiple locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and eastern Punjab. The military operation, named “Sindoor,” came in response to a deadly attack last month that killed 26 Hindu tourists in Kashmir. Indian officials say the group responsible for the killings is backed by Pakistan — a claim Pakistan denies.
The Indian Cabinet’s Committee on Security met soon after the strikes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the session, joined by senior ministers. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the military action, writing on social media, “Victory to Mother India.” Opposition leaders across the political spectrum voiced support, calling the operation an act of “brave and decisive action.”
Pakistan Retaliates After Indian Airstrikes
Pakistan’s leadership responded swiftly. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the airstrikes and said Pakistan would not remain silent. “Pakistan has every right to respond strongly,” he said after an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee in Islamabad.
By Wednesday afternoon, Pakistani forces had fired across the Line of Control, targeting Poonch district in Indian-administered Kashmir. The barrage killed at least seven civilians and injured over 30 others, according to Indian officials. Homes were destroyed, and many families were seen fleeing border villages.
Pakistani military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif claimed that five Indian aircraft were shot down. Witnesses reported plane crashes in Wuyan, Bhardha Kalan, and parts of Punjab state. Indian officials have not confirmed any aircraft losses but said emergency response teams were sent to crash sites to recover injured pilots and contain fires.
Civilian Death Toll Rises Amid Cross-Border Strikes
India’s Defence Ministry stated that its airstrikes were aimed at nine strategic locations allegedly used to plan and carry out terror attacks. Officials insisted that no Pakistani military sites were hit.
However, Pakistan reported civilian casualties and damage to religious sites. A missile strike in Bahawalpur killed 13 people when it hit Subhan Mosque during morning prayers. Another missile struck near a mosque in Muridke, close to a former Lashkar-e-Taiba base, causing injuries and structural damage.
The group calling itself “Kashmir Resistance”, suspected to be linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for last month’s massacre of Hindu pilgrims. Explosions were reported in Muzaffarabad, prompting widespread panic. “We feared the next missile would hit our home,” said local resident Mohammad Ashraf, who fled with his family as sirens wailed through the city.
Global Leaders Call for Calm as Tensions Escalate
The crisis has triggered international concern. UN Secretary General António Guterres called for both countries to show restraint. “The world cannot afford a military confrontation between two nuclear-armed nations,” said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric in a press briefing.
India’s Home Ministry announced emergency preparedness drills in several states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. Civil defense units were activated to assist civilians in border areas.
Meanwhile, Indian and Pakistani embassies have entered a tense diplomatic exchange. Pakistan summoned the Indian High Commissioner to lodge a formal protest, while India reinforced its position that the strikes were “a necessary defensive measure.”