Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD)In one of the deadliest escalations along the Line of Control (LoC), three civilians were killed and dozens of homes were damaged in Pakistan shelling that targeted multiple border villages in Tanghdar (Kupwara), Uri (Baramulla), and Machil sectors of north Kashmir.
The shelling, which began late Monday night and continued into Tuesday morning, triggered panic and devastation across LoC villages. According to officials, three civilians, including a woman and a teenage boy, were killed after a mortar shell struck their home in the Tanghdar sector.
“We rushed to the site after a loud explosion. The house was completely gutted and three members of the family were lying motionless,” said Abdul Rehman, a resident of the area.
In Uri and Machil, dozens of homes, livestock shelters, and vehicles were damaged. Rafiqa Begum, a local from Kamalkote in Uri, described a night of fear: “Shells were flying over our heads. We spent the night hiding in a mud shelter. It felt like war had returned.”
Fayaz Lone, another resident, added, “My rooftop has holes from shrapnel, cattle are injured, and there is no electricity since the blast.”
In Kupwara’s Machil, Mohammad Ishaq recounted the horror: “The kids cried all night. We thought we wouldn’t survive. My house has been hit directly.”
Following the attack, the administration launched a massive evacuation operation, moving vulnerable families to designated shelters and deploying emergency relief teams. A senior official confirmed that damage assessments are ongoing and relief material is being distributed.
“We express deep condolences to the families of the deceased. The situation remains tense but under control,” a district official said.
Border residents, however, remain gripped by fear. “It’s not just property, we’re losing lives. When will this end?” asked Shameema Jan, a resident of Silikote.
The army has also stepped up vigilance across the LoC, amid fears of continued escalation (DD)