Army Vows Punitive Action After Civilian Killings In Poonch Shelling

In the wake of heavy shelling by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district that claimed 13 lives and injured 59, the Indian Army issued a stern condemnation, stating it will respond with ‘resolute and punitive action’ to any further aggression.

The shelling on Wednesday night targeted civilian areas along the Line of Control (LoC), just a day after India’s coordinated military operation, ‘Operation Sindoor’, struck nine terror-linked sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The Indian Army, in an official statement, expressed solidarity with the civilians affected by what it called ‘indiscriminate artillery shelling by the adversary in the Poonch sector’.

Martyred In The Line Of Duty

Among those killed was 32-year-old Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar from Palwal district, Haryana.

He succumbed to injuries sustained during the intense shelling while serving at a forward post.

In a tribute, the Army saluted his supreme sacrifice, noting that he held his ground and defended India’s sovereignty till his final breath.

“General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, and all ranks of the Indian Army salute the supreme sacrifice of Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar,” the statement read, praising his valour and dedication.

Ceasefire Violations Continue

According to the Ministry of Defence, Pakistani forces continued firing using small arms and artillery across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor.

‘Indian Army responded proportionately’, the ministry confirmed.

Meanwhile, Thursday marked the 14th consecutive day of ceasefire violations by Pakistan, raising concerns over a potential wider escalation in the region.

As a result, the recent targeting of civilian zones has intensified calls within India for a sustained and robust diplomatic and military response.

India’s Position Firm

The Army emphasised that it will defeat hostile attempts to destabilise peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The nefarious designs of our enemies have been and will continue to be thwarted with resolute and punitive action,” it declared.

This fresh wave of violence follows the Indian Armed Forces’ strategic precision strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’, aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

As tensions mount, India’s security forces remain on high alert, determined to protect national sovereignty and ensure the safety of its citizens along the volatile border.

Also Read: Relief For Pahalgam Victims’ Families As Operation Sindoor Vows Justice & Security