In the aftermath of India’s targeted strikes on terror infrastructure across the Pakistan border, Jammu and Kashmir has faced a wave of retaliatory shelling from across the Line of Control. Over the past four days, 20 people—including 19 civilians and a senior official—have lost their lives in multiple sectors of the Union Territory, triggering an outpouring of grief and an urgent response from the administration.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on Saturday, spoke out against the growing civilian casualties and declared a package of financial relief. “Deeply pained by the loss of innocent lives due to recent shelling from Pakistan. My Government is taking every possible measure to minimise the hardship of our people,” he tweeted on X.
Deeply pained by the loss of innocent lives due to recent shelling from Pakistan. My Government is taking every possible measure to minimise the hardship of our people.
While no compensation can ever replace a loved one or heal the trauma caused to the family, as a gesture of…
— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) May 10, 2025
Heavy Civilian Casualties in Poonch, Rajouri, Uri, Baramulla
The firing started after the Indian forces launched precision attacks on nine terror camps along the border on May 7 as part of Operation Sindoor—a retaliatory measure to the Pahalgam terror attack that jolted the Valley last month. The Pakistani retaliatory shelling was directed against civilian habitations in Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, and Baramulla.
On Wednesday alone, 12 civilians were killed in Poonch. Subsequently, two more lost their lives on Friday in Uri and Poonch. Then, on Saturday morning, the death toll mounted further as five additional civilians were killed by shelling in Baramulla.
Relief Package Amid National Mourning
Realizing the agony and suffering of the bereaved families, Abdullah said, “Though no amount of compensation can ever substitute a loved one or cure the trauma inflicted on the family, as a token of support and solidarity, ex-gratia relief of Rs 10 lakh will be given to families of all who have passed away. We stand with each affected family in this moment of sorrow.”
As long as tensions along the border persist, the Chief Minister’s gesture is a muted effort to console bereaved families and reiterate the government’s commitment to its citizens in these times of crisis.
