At Least 15 Indians Killed, Over 40 Injured In Pakistan's Heavy Firing Along LoC And IB In J&K

At least 15 Indians were killed and 43 others injured in Poonch and Tangdhar in J&K as Pakistan resorted to arbitrary firing and heavy shelling along the Line of Control and the International Border on Wednesday (5 May), India Today reported.

The heavy firing came soon after India launched 'Operation Sindoor' at 1.05 am, with precision strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

The Army quickly retaliated, causing significant damage to Pakistan Army posts in the Kupwara and Rajouri-Poonch sectors.

Reports indicate heavy casualties on the Pakistan military side.

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said that three Gursikhs were among those killed after Pakistani forces attacked the central Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Poonch.

Bhai Amrik Singh Ji (a raagi Singh), Bhai Amarjeet Singh and Bhai Ranjit Singh were among those killed.

"The Shiromani Akali Dal expresses complete solidarity with the families of the deceased Gursikhs and prays for peace for the departed and courage for their friends and loved ones. We demand that the martyrs be honoured for their sacrifice and that the bereaved families receive adequate compensation to support them in their time of grief," Singh said.

"The Sikhs have always been, and will continue to be, the sword arm of the country. We stand like a rock with our armed forces. Although the Shiromani Akali Dal and our country stand for peace, if our honour is challenged by the enemy, we need no reminder to fulfill our patriotic duties," he added.

Amid the ongoing firing at the border, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly ordered the evacuation of civilians near the LoC and IB.

Shah is in constant touch with BSF DG Daljit Singh Chawdhary, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Shah directed officials to move civilians to safer areas, stressing that their security is India's utmost priority.

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