Civilians killed, evacuations ordered: What's happening along LoC as India-Pak tensions rise?

On Wednesday morning (May 7), India launched a large counter-terror operation called Operation Sindoor at nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The strike, carried out at 1.44 am, was a direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people, most of them tourists, were killed.

Catch all the live updates from  Operation Sindoor here

Soon after the strikes, the Pakistan army began intense mortar shelling along the Line of Control, which led to the deaths of at least 10 civilians and left 20 others injured.

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The shelling began in the early hours of Wednesday, destroying homes, tearing up fields, and turning quiet nights into chaos.

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In this explainer, we take a look at the situation along the LoC as tensions between India and Pakistan rise.

What happened?

At least 10 civilians lost their lives and over 20 others were injured after the Pakistan army engaged in heavy mortar shelling along the Line of Control. This came as Indian forces launched Operation Sindoor.

Officials told CNN-News18 that mortar shelling was reported in Krishna Ghati, Shahpur, and Mankote areas of Poonch, as well as Laam, Manjakote, and Gambeer Brahmana in Rajouri district.

The shelling targeted forward villages in Poonch and Rajouri, damaging homes and forcing residents to flee. Two CRPF jawans were also hurt but are said to be in stable condition, according to officials.

The Indian Army responded to the shelling with return fire.

Many families fled in panic, some barefoot in the dark, and sought safety in underground bunkers where they could, Deccan Herald reported.

Schools in Poonch, Rajouri, and Kupwara were shut indefinitely as the shelling continued through the morning.

Pakistan’s troops had already been firing small arms in two to three sectors over the last two weeks. But in recent days, the attacks spread across the entire Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian Army posted on social media that Pakistani troops fired artillery in the Bhimber Gali sector, calling it another ceasefire violation. It said Indian forces were responding in a “calibrated manner”.

In Uri, residents said the shelling began around 11 pm, with several shells landing in inhabited areas. “Several houses were damaged and caught fire in the shelling,” a local told The Indian Express. “We are fleeing to safer places.”

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Evacuations ordered

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha asked deputy commissioners to shift people from high-risk areas to safer zones, following a review of the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sinha said he is personally keeping watch and that the government is ready to handle any emergency.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also directed officials to begin evacuating civilians living near the LoC, after Pakistani troops opened fire along the Line of Control and the International Border, sources told India Today.

“Took stock of the situation in border districts of J&K UT with all the senior administrative, police and district officials, including DCs of all the border districts. I am closely monitoring the situation and the government is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality,” Sinha said in a post on X.

He added that those being moved will be provided with food, transport, and shelter.

At the same time, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held a review meeting with senior civil officials, including Chief Secretary Atul Dulloo, to assess the situation on the ground.

Operation Sindoor

The operation was carried out exactly 14 days after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead.

It was a joint mission involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, with troops and equipment mobilised across different locations.

The Indian Army said the operation targeted terror bases believed to be behind attacks in India, including the one in Pahalgam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a Cabinet meeting during which he described Operation Sindoor as a “moment of pride”.

He also praised the armed forces for their “commendable job” and “immaculate execution”.

“The whole country was looking up to us. We are proud of our Army,” the Prime Minister said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the action an “act of war” and said Pakistan reserves the right to give a “befitting reply.”

Shortly after the strikes, the Indian Army posted an image online that read “Operation Sindoor” with the hashtag #PahalgamTerrorAttack and the message: “Justice is Served. Jai Hind!”

With inputs from agencies