Pakistan Army Targets Mosque, Gurudwara, Temple in J&K’s Poonch
The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan have taken a devastating turn in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, where the Pakistani army has targeted a mosque, a gurudwara, and a temple, causing widespread damage and civilian casualties. The shocking visuals of the destruction have surfaced online, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation.
As per reports, the cross-border shelling by Pakistan’s army began on Wednesday, and since then, at least 16 civilians, including women and children, have lost their lives. The shelling and firing have also left many more injured, with several buildings and infrastructure damaged in the process.
The affected areas include the town of Poonch, which is a significant cultural and religious hub in the region. The mosque, gurudwara, and temple, which were all targeted by the Pakistani army, are revered by people of different faiths and are a symbol of communal harmony.
The Pakistani army’s actions have been widely condemned by the international community, with many countries expressing concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The United Nations has called for restraint and urged both countries to resolve their differences peacefully.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses from the affected areas have shared harrowing accounts of the devastating impact of the shelling and firing. “I was at the mosque when the shelling started,” said Muhammad Rafiq, a local resident. “I saw people running for their lives, trying to escape the debris. It was a chaotic scene, with people crying and screaming. I was lucky to escape with my life, but many others were not so fortunate.”
Another eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, described the scene at the gurudwara. “The temple was filled with devotees who had come to pray. When the shelling started, people were caught off guard. Many were injured, and some were trapped under the debris. It was a tragic scene, with blood and chaos everywhere.”
International Condemnation
The international community has condemned the Pakistani army’s actions, with many countries urging restraint and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, saying that “the use of force is never the answer to resolving disputes.”
The United States has also expressed concern over the escalating tensions, with a State Department spokesperson saying that “we urge both sides to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that could further destabilize the region.”
India’s Response
India has responded to the Pakistani army’s actions with a display of military might, launching a counter-offensive along the Line of Control (LoC). The Indian army has also issued a statement condemning the Pakistani army’s actions, saying that “Pakistan’s army has once again demonstrated its disregard for human life and international law.”
The Indian government has also called for the international community to take concrete action to stop Pakistan’s aggression, saying that “it is time for the world to take notice of Pakistan’s repeated violations of international law and its disregard for human life.”
Conclusion
The Pakistani army’s targeting of a mosque, a gurudwara, and a temple in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district is a shocking and disturbing incident that highlights the devastating impact of cross-border shelling and firing on innocent civilians. The international community must come together to condemn Pakistan’s actions and urge restraint and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: it is time for Pakistan to stop its aggression and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve peace and security, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they get it.
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