In a dramatic escalation of tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), a series of cross-border attacks have left communities in Jammu and Kashmir in turmoil. On May 8, 2025, Pakistani forces launched unprovoked shelling that devastated the village of Terbuni in Kupwara district, destroying eight Sikh homes and forcing families to evacuate to Kupwara town, located approximately 70 kilometers away. Local resident Joginder Singh described the chaos, noting that the community was terrified by ongoing aerial assaults and had taken refuge in bunkers to avoid further attacks.
Despite the destruction, Singh reported no casualties or serious injuries among the residents, as they sought safety during the night of May 7. "Now, only a few persons remain to look after their homes, belongings, and Gurdwara Singh Sabha Terbuni," he said, highlighting the precarious situation faced by the approximately 500 residents of the village. He appealed to the government for enhanced safety measures, acknowledging the support extended by local authorities but emphasizing the urgent need for more protection.
The attack on Terbuni is part of a broader pattern of violence following India's Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This military operation was a direct response to a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, prompting India to assert that any further aggression toward its military installations would be met with a decisive response.
On the same day as the attack in Terbuni, reports emerged of Pakistani troops engaging in unprovoked shelling along the LoC in the Kupwara and Baramulla districts. Officials confirmed that the Boniyar sector of Baramulla and the Tangdhar sector of Kupwara were targeted, although there were no immediate reports of casualties from these incidents. The Indian armed forces retaliated effectively, maintaining a defensive posture in response to the ongoing aggression.
During the night of May 7-8, the Pakistan Army utilized small arms and artillery to fire across the LoC, impacting civilian areas in Karnah. Many residents had already evacuated to safer locations due to the heightened risk following India's military operations. Tragically, on May 7, at least 12 civilians were killed, including three women and three children, as heavy mortar shelling and gunfire struck villages near the LoC, damaging numerous homes and vehicles.
In the aftermath of these violent confrontations, the officiating jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, condemned the attack in the Poonch region, where civilians, including Sikhs, lost their lives and a gurdwara was damaged amidst escalating tensions. He lamented that war inflicts severe harm on humanity, calling for efforts to resolve the situation peacefully.
Gargaj's sentiments were echoed by Harjinder Singh Dhami, president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life in the attacks. He offered prayers for the deceased Sikhs and stressed the need for improved security measures for religious sites in conflict zones.
The situation remains volatile, with the Indian Army continuing to respond to provocations from across the border. Local authorities and residents are left grappling with the immediate impacts of violence, while the broader geopolitical implications of these attacks loom large. As tensions rise, many are left wondering how long this cycle of violence will continue and what measures can be taken to ensure the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire.
In Kishtwar and Akhnoor, complete blackouts were enforced on May 8, with sirens sounding throughout the districts, further heightening fears among residents. The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to protecting its military and civilian populations, stating that any attacks will elicit a suitable response. As the situation develops, both communities and officials are calling for urgent dialogue and measures to prevent further escalation.
In the face of this ongoing conflict, the resilience of local communities is being tested. Many are left to ponder the future, hoping for peace amidst the chaos. The voices of those affected by the violence, like Joginder Singh, resonate as calls for safety and support grow louder. The need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict is more pressing than ever, as families seek to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of tragedy.
