War breaking: India flays Pakistan's targeting of civilians, school and medical facilities in border escalation
War breaking: Tensions along the India-Pakistan western frontier intensified late Friday night as the Pakistani military reportedly launched coordinated attacks targeting civilian areas, including medical centres and a school. The Indian armed forces, during a special media briefing on Saturday morning, condemned the "deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure" and detailed India's response to the provocation.
Senior defence officials, including Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, revealed that Pakistan used multiple military assets—such as U-CAV drones, fighter jets, long-range weapons, and loitering munitions—to strike civilian zones in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
“In a reprehensible act, Pakistan deliberately targeted medical facilities and a school located near key airbases in Srinagar, Awantipora, and Udhampur,” said Wing Commander Singh. “These attacks reflect a pattern of irresponsible and provocative military behavior aimed at disrupting civilian life.”
Pakistan’s assaults included attempts at airspace violations along the Line of Control (LoC), with several civilians reportedly killed. Singh confirmed that India responded swiftly and proportionately, focusing only on verified military installations across the border.
Heavy cross-border fire, involving artillery mortars and small arms, was reported in several sectors, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army inflicted significant damage on Pakistani military assets during these retaliatory operations.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri characterised Pakistan’s actions as an “execrable and wanton campaign” aimed at civilian populations. He confirmed that Pakistan's shelling in Rajouri killed Additional District Development Commissioner Raj Kumar Thapa, adding to the civilian toll. The overnight bombardment also caused property damage and civilian injuries in parts of Punjab, including Ferozepur and Jalandhar.
These developments follow the recent Pahalgam Terror Attack that claimed 26 civilian lives and triggered India's launch of Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
- With inputs from agencies
