In the wake of escalating tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) following multiple ceasefire violations and failed Pakistani drone and missile attacks, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have relocated residents from several forward villages to designated safety camps.
The local administration has set up temporary shelters equipped with essential amenities, including food, water, milk for infants, and medical aid. The move aims to safeguard civilians from ongoing cross-border hostilities and artillery shelling.
Nisha Sharma, a villager relocated to one of the camps, said, “People are scared. The government has provided all facilities—from food and water to milk for infants. We want peace and hope to return soon.” Echoing her sentiments, Gopal Singh added that officials were regularly checking on the displaced families and ensuring all their needs were met.
Ved Ram Sahu commended the government’s prompt action in relocating residents amid the tense situation. However, not everyone has evacuated. Tasrim Lal, still residing in his border village, condemned Pakistan’s covert aggression and praised India’s strong response. “After India’s precision strikes, Pakistani movement has stopped. Earlier, we saw activity near the LoC, but now it’s silent—they’re scared,” he said.
Karnail Singh, a resident of the last Indian village near the LoC, noted that although children and women had been moved, some men stayed behind. “We’ve lived through wars in 1965, 1971, 1999. We don’t fear anyone. But Pakistan can’t be trusted, so we moved our families to safety,” he said.
The relocation follows India’s Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory military campaign launched on May 7, in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, including one Nepali citizen. During the operation, India destroyed nine terrorist camps linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen—four located inside Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
India’s use of S-400 Sudarshan Chakra air defence systems and Integrated Counter-UAS Grid successfully neutralised incoming Pakistani drones and missiles targeting key locations including Pathankot, Srinagar, and Amritsar. Indian forces later launched drone strikes on Pakistani air defence infrastructure, reportedly neutralising a radar system in Lahore.
In response, Pakistan intensified unprovoked firing across the LoC using mortars and heavy artillery, particularly in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri. At least 16 civilians, including three women and five children, have died in the attacks. India reiterated its commitment to non-escalation, provided Pakistan halts its hostilities.