Pakistan Army Targets Mosque, Gurudwara, Temple in J&K’s Poonch
The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan have taken a devastating turn, with reports emerging of Pakistani shelling targeting a mosque, a gurudwara, and a temple in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. The visuals of the damaged religious structures have surfaced online, leaving many shocked and outraged.
The incident comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a military operation launched by the Indian Army to respond to the beheading of an Indian soldier and the killing of three others by Pakistani forces. Since Wednesday, at least 16 civilians, including women and children, have lost their lives in the shelling and firing by Pakistani forces.
According to reports, the mosque, gurudwara, and temple were attacked by Pakistani forces in the wee hours of Thursday morning. The attacks came as a surprise to the local residents, who were caught off guard by the sudden barrage of shells and bullets.
The mosque, located in the town of Poonch, was badly damaged, with its walls and roof breached by the shelling. The gurudwara, situated in a nearby village, was also severely damaged, with its walls cracked and its dome partially destroyed. The temple, located in another part of the town, was hit by a shell, causing significant damage to the structure.
The attacks have left the local residents in a state of panic, with many fleeing their homes to safer areas. The authorities have set up relief camps to provide shelter and food to the displaced families.
The attacks on religious structures have been widely condemned by politicians and religious leaders across the country. The Indian government has termed the attacks as “barbaric” and “inhuman,” and has demanded that Pakistan take immediate action to stop the shelling and firing.
“The attacks on religious structures are a clear violation of human rights and international humanitarian law,” said a government spokesperson. “Pakistan must take immediate action to stop the shelling and firing, and ensure the safety and security of civilians in the region.”
The opposition parties have also joined the chorus of condemnation, with many calling for stronger action against Pakistan. “The attacks on religious structures are a grave violation of human rights, and Pakistan must be held accountable for its actions,” said the leader of the opposition party.
The Pakistani government has, however, denied any involvement in the attacks, and has accused the Indian Army of targeting civilian areas. “Pakistan is committed to peace and stability in the region, and we will not be deterred by India’s aggressive military actions,” said a Pakistani government spokesperson.
Despite the denials, the international community has expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in the region. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and has urged both countries to resolve their differences through diplomatic means.
The situation in Poonch is critical, with the town being heavily shelled by Pakistani forces. The Indian Army has been responding to the shelling, and has inflicted significant damage on Pakistani military positions.
As the situation continues to unfold, the people of Poonch are caught in the middle, with many living in fear of the next attack. The attacks on religious structures have added a new dimension to the conflict, and have sparked widespread outrage across the country.
The incident is a stark reminder of the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding in the region, and the need for the international community to step in and provide support to the affected civilians.
