New Delhi: In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, which saw India launch targeted precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan following the May 2 terror attack in Pahalgam, Islamabad has responded with a wave of indiscriminate shelling that has killed over 20 civilians, including children, and caused massive damage to civilian infrastructure and places of worship in Jammu and Kashmir.
While Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar raised objections citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, India has strongly rebutted this by pointing to Islamabad’s complete disregard for International Law, citing repeated and deliberate attacks on unarmed civilians and religious institutions.
Civilian and Religious Infrastructure Targeted
In one of the most disturbing instances, Pakistan shelled the Central Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Poonch, killing three members of the Sikh community, including Raagi Bhai Amrik Singh Ji. Other religious structures targeted include:
- A mosque, where a teacher was killed
- Geeta Bhawan, a Hindu religious site
- A Christian school and convent, where two children were killed and nuns had to take shelter underground
- A Madarsa, further exemplifying the indiscriminate nature of the attacks
Narinder Singh, President of the Poonch District Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, confirmed:
“Nearly 12 people have died in Poonch district due to cross-border shelling. A shell hit one corner of our Gurdwara, one hit Geeta Bhawan, and one hit a mosque, killing a teacher.”
India’s Sharp Rebuttal
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri categorically condemned Pakistan’s actions and dismissed their claims that India targeted cities like Amritsar as “deranged fantasies.”
“This is nothing but a desperate attempt by Pakistan to disown its acts of aggression. The Gurdwara in Poonch was attacked, and the Ragi of the Gurdwara lost his life. Their duplicity has reached new depths,” Misri said.
“To even claim we would attack our own cities reflects the twisted logic of a regime well-versed in such deceit.”
Akali Dal Condemns Attack on Gurdwara
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal issued a strong statement condemning the attacks:
“Strongly condemn the inhuman attack by Pakistani forces on the sacred Central Gurdwara in Poonch… The Shiromani Akali Dal stands in complete solidarity with the families of the deceased Gursikhs.”
He also called on the Indian government to honor the martyrs and provide compensation to the bereaved families:
“The Sikhs have always been, and will continue to be, the sword arm of the country. We stand like a rock with our armed forces.”
Schoolchildren Among the Victims
One of the Pakistani shells hit the home of two students of Christ School, run by the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate. Both children died, and their parents were critically injured. Another shell hit a nearby Christian convent, destroying solar panels and damaging infrastructure. Nuns, priests, and staff had to shelter in an underground hall.
“Had the school been open, the loss of life would have been catastrophic,” an official stated.
Pakistan’s Propaganda and Ceasefire Understanding
Despite clear evidence and video testimonies from locals, Pakistan continues to claim it did not target religious places. Instead, it accused India of attacking its own cities — a charge India has strongly rebutted.
The escalation has now subsided following an understanding between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of both nations. However, the cost in civilian lives and damage remains high.
India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam massacre of 26 people, resulted in the elimination of over 100 terrorists and destruction of nine terror launchpads deep inside Pakistan.
India Asserts Legitimacy, Exposes Pakistan’s Hypocrisy
While Pakistan accuses India of violating the UN Charter, India asserts that its action falls under self-defense, as defined in Article 51 — especially in light of cross-border terror and repeated provocations.
“Pakistan’s attempt to twist international law to shield its terror proxies will fail. Its own actions — targeting children, religious sites, and civilians — have unmasked its real face,” a senior Indian diplomat said.