Tensions flared once again along the India-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir late Thursday night, as multiple drones and heavy cross-border shelling were reported in civilian areas of Jammu.
According to eyewitness accounts, the situation began around 8 PM when 3-4 drones were spotted in the sky. This was quickly followed by intense gunfire and explosions, which lasted through the night.
“Last night at around 8 PM, we saw 3-4 drones. There was retaliatory firing, which continued the entire night. What Pakistan did is not right. We are not scared. Schools are closed here,” a local resident said.
Another resident described how the night unfolded. “As soon as we started dinner last night, we heard the sound of some explosions… Explosions were heard again at around 4:30 a.m., but they were also neutralised by our forces. There is nothing to worry about. Our forces are on alert. Bhagwati Vaishno Devi is sitting in Jammu, there is nothing to be scared of,” he said.
Local residents strongly condemned the attacks on civilian areas, calling it an act of cowardice. “Attacking civilians is nothing but cowardice because they (Pakistan) don’t have the courage to fight our forces. This is all that they can do… Our forces are giving a befitting reply and we are proud of them,” a local said.
“There was a complete blackout last night. After which, drones started flying and firing continued the entire night. Our forces are giving Pakistan a befitting reply. We have trust in our Prime Minister and our Army. All drones were neutralised by our forces. We are proud of our country. There is tension near the border but rest of the places are safe,” another resident added.
Visuals from the border region showed civilian houses in a town in Jammu and Kashmir damaged by the overnight shelling. In light of the tense situation, authorities have shut down schools, colleges, and other educational institutions in Udhampur district today.
A local from Rajouri also shared the extent of the damage. “The firing by Pakistan has damaged the whole front area of my house. Houses of my relatives have also been damaged. There was very heavy shelling at night. We stand with the Army.”
In a major military response, sources confirmed to media that the Indian Army shot down more than 50 Pakistani drones during a large-scale counter-drone operation along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) on Thursday night.
The situation remains under close watch as India’s defense forces remain on high alert.