Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir woke up to a tense morning on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, as reports emerged of three fighter jets crashing in the outskirts of Srinagar and Jammu’s Akhnoor. This incident coincided with heavy artillery shelling from Pakistan, which resulted in significant civilian casualties.
At least ten civilians were killed and 45 others injured after Pakistan fired artillery shells at a residential area in Poonch district, which lies along the Line of Control. This violent escalation follows a recent terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead, prompting India to target nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir early Wednesday.
In response to the escalating tensions, authorities shut down both civilian airports in Srinagar and Jammu, which have reportedly been taken over by the Indian Air Force. Educational institutions across parts of the Union territory were also ordered to remain closed for safety.
Witnesses reported that many residents in Srinagar and nearby areas were jolted awake by a loud explosion that was later identified as a fighter jet crash in Wuyan locality of Pampore, located about 20 kilometers from the capital city. One local resident recounted, "Suddenly there was a massive explosion which shook our house as if a powerful earthquake had struck. The sky also lit up as if it were daytime. I immediately woke up my children and went down to the ground floor."
The wreckage of the jet was scattered over a radius of around 500 meters, but fortunately, no residential houses were reported to have been impacted by the crash. Security forces cordoned off the area, preventing journalists from accessing the site. A local resident live-streamed the aftermath on social media, stating he was assisting firefighters in rescue efforts.
In another part of the region, Kupwara experienced a pall of gloom as several residential houses were damaged due to artillery shelling from across the Line of Control. Reports indicated that artillery shells landed in a residential area in Karnah town, resulting in a massive fire that engulfed multiple houses. A video from the scene showed flames billowing as firefighters struggled to control the blaze, with a man lamenting the loss of his cow due to the fire.
Ceasefire violations were reported from Baramulla and Poonch districts, leading to further educational closures. In total, at least ten civilians, including a woman and two children, were killed, and 45 others were injured in the heavy firing from Pakistan.
The Indian Armed Forces have been placed on high alert following 'Operation Sindoor,' which was launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam terrorist attack. This operation comes more than two weeks after terrorists gunned down 26 civilians, primarily tourists, in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.
India has vowed to avenge the terror attack, promising to pursue the perpetrators and their supporters relentlessly. Meanwhile, the international community, including the United States, has urged both New Delhi and Islamabad to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through diplomatic means.
In a related development, the Indian military successfully shot down a Pakistani JF-17 fighter jet in Pampore town of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. This incident marked a significant display of India's air superiority, as the JF-17, developed through a collaboration between Pakistan and China, has often been touted as a point of pride for Islamabad.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the Indian missile strikes as an "act of war," asserting that his country has every right to respond forcefully. "Our armed forces know very well how to deal with the enemy... We will never let the enemy succeed in its nefarious objectives," Sharif stated.
As the situation continues to unfold, the region remains on high alert, with both military and civilian authorities bracing for further developments. The aftermath of these incidents has left the local population in a state of fear and uncertainty, as they navigate the complexities of ongoing conflict and violence.
In summary, the events of May 7, 2025, highlight the precarious security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, as military actions and civilian casualties escalate amid a backdrop of historical tensions between India and Pakistan. The international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can bring lasting peace to the region.
