Firing, Drones, Missile Attacks: The State of Things in Jammu and Kashmir Now

Srinagar: Pakistan resorted to heavy shelling and drone and missile attacks on several defence installations and civilian areas along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir in which a woman was killed and another suffered injuries, officials said on Friday (May 9).

The Union territory administration has closed all educational institutions for two days amid drone and missile attacks by Pakistan that were repelled by air defence systems. Border residents are being evacuated to temporary shelter homes to prevent further loss of life following heavy firing last night.

Officials said that Pakistan resorted to heavy gunfire and shelling in Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora districts of Kashmir Valley and Poonch and Rajouri districts along the LoC in Jammu divisions.

Amid failed drone and missile attacks, heavy firing was also reported along the western border in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts, officials said.

Residents of Jammu city and several villages along the LoC in Kashmir and International Border spent a brutal night on Thursday as the sounds of artillery shelling, integrated defence systems targeting incoming drones and missiles from Pakistan, and air raid sirens triggered panic and fear.

The Union defence ministry said that all the attempts to attack the defence installations in Jammu, Samba and Udhampur districts were thwarted and there was no loss of life.

"Military Stations of Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur in proximity to the International Boundary, in Jammu and Kashmir targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones. No losses. Threat neutralised by Indian Armed Forces as per SoP with kinetic and non-kinetic means,” the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff said on X.

Eyewitnesses said that Jammu came under attack at around 8 pm when some residents spotted red-hot projectiles flying in the air followed by heavy explosions which were initially believed to be the sounds of firecrackers.

However, as the projectiles, believed to be missiles and drones fired by Pakistan, continued to explode mid-air, sirens went off which triggered chaos and panic in the winter capital of J&K. Some residents came out of their homes to shoot the mid-air skirmishes with their smartphones.

A complete blackout was imposed across Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday at around 10 pm.

“Sirens were going off till around midnight and it seemed like Jammu airport was under attack. After the midnight lull, there were more explosions in the pre-dawn hours,” said a Jammu resident, who didn’t want to be identified for security reasons.

Sirens started blaring again at around 4:25 am on Friday, she added.

According to reports, at least eight missiles were targeted at Jammu which were intercepted by the air defence system.

J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah is visiting the winter capital today to assess the aftermath of the attacks.

A resident of Poonch in Jammu division, which came under heavy artillery firing that killed more than dozen civilians earlier this week, said that Pakistan again resorted to firing throughout the night on Thursday.

“Sirens sounded as the shells landed in the main city and some surrounding areas. The firing stopped at 8 am but it’s difficult to say how long the calm is going to prevail,” the resident said, wishing to stay anonymous.

Sirens were also sounded in the adjoining Rajouri district along the LoC which was also targeted by Pakistani forces on Thursday night.

As the residents of Jammu city and other districts were dealing with an unprecedented situation on Thursday night, there were unconfirmed reports of attacks on army installations in Rajouri and Anantnag districts which prompted J&K police to issue advisories urging citizens to avoid fanning rumours.

“In view of the sensitive situation, citizens are urged to refrain from sharing fake, unverified, or provocative content on social media. Misinformation will lead to legal action. Verify before you share. Report suspicious content: 9419051940. #StayResponsible," Anantnag police said on X.

Reports said that a civilian vehicle was on the way from Rajarwani to Baramulla when it was hit by a shell fired from across the LoC. The explosion resulted in injuries to two women identified as Nargis Bano and Hafeez Begum who were rushed to Baramulla.

“Bano succumbed to injuries while another woman is undergoing treatment,” said a doctor at Baramulla district hospital where the victims were taken for treatment.

According to reports, several residential houses were damaged in Uri near the LoC after Pakistan resorted to firing and shelling in multiple locations.