Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the death of senior officer Raj Kumar Thappa. Thappa, a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services, died after Pakistan shelled his house in Rajouri.
Sharing his grief on social media, Omar wrote on X, “Devastating news from Rajouri. We have lost a dedicated officer of the J&K Administration Services. Just yesterday he was accompanying the Deputy CM around the district & attended the online meeting I chaired. Today the residence of the officer was hit by Pak shelling as they targeted Rajouri town killing our Additional District Development Commissioner Sh Raj Kumar Thappa. I’ve no words to express my shock & sadness at this terrible loss of life. May his soul rest in peace.”
Devastating news from Rajouri. We have lost a dedicated officer of the J&K Administration Services. Just yesterday he was accompanying the Deputy CM around the district & attended the online meeting I chaired. Today the residence of the officer was hit by Pak shelling as they…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 10, 2025
Projectiles Recovered Near Temple
Shells struck close to the Aap Shambhu Temple in Rajouri. Authorities recovered fragments from the impact site. Police and emergency responders remained on alert.
Drone Blast in Punjab Worsens Tensions
Meanwhile, in Kanganiwal village near Jalandhar, Punjab, a drone-related blast damaged a house. Resident Surjeet Kaur described the moment, “A red coloured flash came above our house and there was a huge explosion. We got scared. Everything was dark. We came out of our houses after a short while and saw that the water tank above our houses and our neighbours’ houses had exploded. There was a blackout at that time, and all the lights were off.”
India Hits Back, Targets Multiple Airbases
In response to Pakistan’s actions, India carried out precision strikes early Saturday. Government sources confirmed that Indian forces hit at least four airbases inside Pakistan. This marked a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict.
The strikes came soon after Pakistan launched attacks on 26 Indian locations, stretching from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat. Firing continued at several areas along the Line of Control (LoC).
Drones Spotted Across Border States
India has tracked drones at 26 different points near the International Border and LoC. Many of these drones were armed. Affected locations include Baramulla, Srinagar, Nagrota, Jammu, Pathankot, Jaisalmer, Bhuj, and others.
In Ferozpur, an armed drone hit a civilian house, injuring a family. Security teams quickly secured the area and provided medical help to the victims.
Defence Ministry Issues Safety Guidelines
The Ministry of Defence released a statement urging public caution, “The Indian Armed Forces are maintaining a high state of alert, and all such aerial threats are being tracked and engaged using counter-drone systems. The situation is under close and constant watch & prompt action is being taken wherever necessary. Citizens, especially in border areas, are advised to remain indoors, limit unnecessary movement, and strictly follow safety instructions issued by local authorities. While there is no need for panic, heightened vigilance and precaution are essential.”
India Neutralised Pakistan’s Major Attack
On the night of May 7–8, India successfully blocked a large drone and missile assault from Pakistan. These attacks had targeted key military bases in India’s northern and western sectors. Indian forces also disabled an air defence system in Lahore during their retaliatory operation.
