J&K Administration Begins Evacuations After India’s Strikes Spark Cross-Border Shelling from Pakistan

In the aftermath of India’s precision military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has become increasingly volatile.

The operation, named Operation Sindoor, was launched in response to the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam two weeks ago, in which 26 civilians lost their lives.

As tensions escalated, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed immediate evacuation of civilians living in vulnerable areas near the Line of Control (LoC) to safer locations.

Following the Indian strikes conducted in the early hours of Wednesday, Pakistan retaliated with heavy shelling across the LoC, particularly affecting border regions in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to official reports, at least 10 civilians have been confirmed dead and approximately 40 others have sustained injuries. The majority of the casualties occurred in the Poonch sector of Jammu division, where Pakistani forces fired artillery shells into Indian territory, causing extensive damage.

Local authorities reported that several residential houses were either destroyed or caught fire due to the intense shelling. The assault has forced hundreds of residents, including women, children, and the elderly, to flee from their homes.

Many sought refuge in government shelters and temporary camps set up by district administrations, while others were moved to pre-designated safe zones.

Lieutenant Governor Sinha assured the public that the administration is on high alert and is taking every necessary step to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.

“The safety of our people is of utmost importance. I am personally monitoring the developments along the border, and the administration is fully prepared to deal with any contingency that may arise,” he said in a statement. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sinha added that he had held a detailed review meeting with all senior civil and police officers, including deputy commissioners of the border districts, to assess the ground situation.

The Lt Governor directed all district authorities to initiate immediate relief and rehabilitation efforts. He instructed them to provide transport, food, water, and lodging facilities to the evacuated residents. “Deputy Commissioners have been asked to ensure that no one is left without support during this difficult time. The administration is working in coordination with security forces to maintain law and order and provide necessary assistance,” Sinha emphasized.

Simultaneously, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened a high-level meeting with key officials, including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, to evaluate the rapidly evolving situation along the LoC. The Chief Minister reviewed the state’s preparedness for potential emergencies and is expected to hold further discussions with district-level officers to enhance contingency planning and streamline coordination across administrative units.

In light of the renewed tensions, both central and state-level agencies have stepped up surveillance and preparedness measures across the border areas. Additional medical teams, fire and rescue units, and relief personnel have been deployed to handle any emergencies that might result from ongoing hostilities.

The developments come amid heightened security concerns across the region following Operation Sindoor, which saw Indian forces strike nine terrorist camps across the border. The Indian government has asserted that the operation was conducted with precision and restraint, specifically targeting terrorist infrastructure and avoiding any civilian or military establishments.

With cross-border hostilities showing no immediate signs of de-escalation, the situation remains tense along the LoC. Authorities continue to urge citizens in sensitive areas to remain vigilant and cooperate with the evacuation and relief efforts being carried out by the administration.