Indian soldier dies, Pakistan retaliates

Violence along the India-Pakistan border has surged, with heavy artillery fire claiming lives and displacing communities. On May 6, 2025, an Indian soldier was killed in what officials described as unprovoked shelling by Pakistani forces in the Poonch sector. The escalation followed India’s Operation Sindoor, a targeted missile strike on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The strikes, launched in response to a deadly attack in Pahalgam, have reignited tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

The shelling has disrupted life across border regions, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Reports indicate that at least 12 civilians have been killed and over 50 injured in Jammu and Kashmir, while Pakistan claims 26 civilian deaths on its side. Both nations have accused each other of violating ceasefire agreements, with artillery barrages reported in multiple sectors, including Poonch, Rajouri, and Kupwara. The situation remains volatile, with no immediate signs of de-escalation.

Key developments in the ongoing conflict include:

• India’s Operation Sindoor targeted nine terror sites linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
• Pakistan’s military alleges Indian missiles struck civilian infrastructure, including mosques, in five locations.
• Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened an emergency meeting to address civilian safety.
• International calls for restraint have emerged, with the United Nations and the United States urging both sides to avoid further escalation.

As the Line of Control becomes a flashpoint once again, residents in frontier villages are fleeing to safety, and both armies remain on high alert. The conflict’s ripple effects are felt far beyond the border, raising concerns about regional stability.

Operation Sindoor triggers cross-border fire

India’s military operation, dubbed Operation Sindoor, was launched on the night of May 6, 2025, targeting nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was a direct response to the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, including tourists and security personnel. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the strikes as precise and measured, emphasizing that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted. The operation aimed to dismantle infrastructure linked to banned outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which India holds responsible for the Pahalgam massacre.

The strikes, however, provoked a fierce response from Pakistan. Within hours, Pakistani forces initiated heavy artillery shelling across the Line of Control and the International Border. The barrage targeted civilian areas and military posts in Jammu and Kashmir, with Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Kupwara districts reporting significant damage. In Poonch town, artillery shells struck residential buildings and public spaces, marking some of the heaviest shelling since the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

Pakistan’s military condemned the Indian strikes as an act of war, claiming that missiles hit civilian infrastructure, including a mosque in Bahawalpur, killing a child and injuring others. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed a robust response, stating that Pakistan was already retaliating. The exchange of fire has continued unabated, with both sides reporting casualties and widespread destruction.

Civilian toll mounts in border villages

The human cost of the conflict has been devastating, particularly for civilians living near the Line of Control. In Jammu and Kashmir, at least 12 civilians have been killed and 57 injured, according to Indian defense sources. The shelling has damaged homes, shops, and government buildings, forcing many residents to flee to safer areas. In Poonch, authorities have set up temporary shelters in Chandak, Lassana, and Sathra to accommodate displaced families.

In Uri and Tangdhar sectors, locals described a night of terror as shells landed deep into populated areas. One resident from Tangdhar reported that four houses in his neighborhood caught fire after being struck by artillery. Another Uri resident noted that shells reached as far as Salamabad, close to the main town. The intensity of the shelling has driven many to seek refuge in underground bunkers, some of which have not been used in decades and are in poor condition.

The impact on civilians includes:

• Three civilian deaths reported in Poonch, Kupwara, and Baramulla due to mortar shelling.
• Over 40 houses damaged in Poonch and Rajouri, with fires breaking out in several villages.
• Schools and colleges near the border closed, with Kashmir University postponing all examinations.
• Srinagar airport shut down for air traffic due to security concerns.

Pakistan, meanwhile, reported 26 civilian deaths and 46 injuries, accusing India of targeting non-combatants. The conflicting casualty figures underscore the chaotic nature of the ongoing violence.

Indian soldier’s death sparks outrage

The death of an Indian soldier in Poonch on May 6, 2025, has fueled anger across India. The soldier, killed during what the Indian Army described as unprovoked shelling by Pakistani forces, was stationed in the Poonch sector. While the soldier’s identity has not been officially released, sources indicate he was part of a forward post targeted by heavy mortar fire. The Indian Army responded with what it called a calibrated retaliation, inflicting damage on Pakistani posts along the Line of Control.

The loss of the soldier comes amid a series of ceasefire violations by Pakistan, according to Indian officials. The Army posted on social media that Pakistani forces had fired artillery in the Bhimber Gali sector, marking another breach of the 2003 ceasefire agreement. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with political leaders and citizens expressing solidarity with the armed forces.

In Jammu, scores of young people gathered at the Government Medical College Hospital to donate blood for those injured in the shelling. BJP MLA Arvind Gupta, who participated in the blood donation drive, called for more youth to come forward and support the nation during this crisis. The soldier’s death has also reignited calls for stronger measures against cross-border terrorism.

Pakistan’s retaliation and claims of aggression

Pakistan’s response to Operation Sindoor has been swift and forceful. The country’s military reported that Indian missiles struck five locations, including two mosques, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab. A military spokesman confirmed that a child was among the casualties in Bahawalpur, where a missile hit a mosque. Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations division stated that the strikes were air-launched, with witnesses reporting a bright light in the sky before a powerful explosion.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed that Pakistan shot down five Indian Air Force jets and took several Indian soldiers prisoner. India has not confirmed these claims, and independent verification remains unavailable. Pakistani officials have accused India of committing an act of war, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif describing the strikes as cowardly. The Pakistani military has vowed to continue its response, with heavy shelling reported across the Line of Control.

The escalation has prompted Pakistan to close its airspace around Lahore, disrupting commercial flights. The country’s leaders are holding crisis meetings to assess the situation and plan further actions. The rhetoric from both sides suggests that the conflict is far from over, with each accusing the other of provocation.

Jammu and Kashmir’s emergency response

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken swift action to address the crisis. On May 7, 2025, he chaired an emergency meeting with deputy commissioners of all border districts via video conferencing. The meeting focused on assessing the situation and ensuring preparedness for further escalation. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and other senior officials attended, discussing measures to protect civilians and provide relief to affected communities.

The state government has allocated Rs 5 crore to each deputy commissioner for emergency expenses, including the deployment of ambulances to border districts. Temporary shelters have been established in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and R.S. Pora to accommodate displaced residents. The closure of schools and colleges near the border has added to the sense of urgency, with authorities prioritizing the safety of students and staff.

Local administration efforts include:

• Setting up temporary shelters for displaced families in Poonch and Rajouri.
• Deploying medical teams to treat the injured in border hospitals.
• Coordinating with the Indian Army to ensure safe evacuation routes.
• Providing food and supplies to families in underground bunkers.

The Srinagar airport’s closure has further complicated the situation, limiting access to the region. The state government is working to restore normalcy, but the ongoing shelling poses significant challenges.

International calls for restraint

The international community has expressed growing concern over the escalating conflict. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for maximum military restraint from both India and Pakistan, warning that the world cannot afford a confrontation between the two nuclear-armed nations. U.S. President Donald Trump described the clashes as a shame, expressing hope that the violence would end quickly. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed these sentiments, stating that the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani held separate phone calls with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Qatari foreign ministry emphasized the need for dialogue to de-escalate tensions. Other global leaders have also urged both nations to avoid further violence, citing the potential for catastrophic consequences in the region.

The international response highlights the delicate balance of power in South Asia. The conflict’s proximity to disputed Kashmir, coupled with the nuclear capabilities of both nations, has raised alarms about the potential for a broader confrontation.

Historical tensions fuel current conflict

The India-Pakistan border has long been a flashpoint for violence, with Kashmir at the heart of the dispute. The Line of Control, established after the 1947 partition, divides the region between Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered territories. Both nations claim Kashmir in its entirety, leading to decades of skirmishes, wars, and ceasefire violations. The 2003 ceasefire agreement, intended to reduce hostilities, has been repeatedly breached in recent years.

Previous conflicts, such as the 2019 Pulwama attack and India’s subsequent airstrikes in Balakot, set a precedent for retaliatory strikes. The current escalation follows a similar pattern, with the Pahalgam attack serving as the catalyst for India’s Operation Sindoor. Pakistan’s denial of involvement in the attack has done little to ease tensions, as both sides continue to trade accusations of terrorism and aggression.

Key historical events shaping the conflict:

• 1947: Partition of India and Pakistan, leading to the first Kashmir war.
• 1971: India-Pakistan war, resulting in the creation of Bangladesh.
• 1999: Kargil War, a major conflict in the Kashmir region.
• 2019: Pulwama attack and India’s airstrikes in Balakot, escalating tensions.

The historical backdrop underscores the complexity of the current crisis, with deep-rooted mistrust driving both nations’ actions.

Impact on border communities

Life in border villages has been upended by the ongoing shelling. In Poonch, residents reported waking up to the sound of explosions and gunfire, with some spending the night in underground bunkers. The shelling has disrupted daily routines, with markets closed and public transport halted. Many families have fled to safer areas, carrying only essential belongings.

In Kupwara, a resident described the shelling as the most intense in recent memory, with explosions continuing for hours. The psychological toll on civilians is significant, with children and the elderly particularly affected. Local hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of injured patients, and medical supplies are running low in some areas.

The displacement of communities has raised concerns about long-term consequences. Many residents fear returning to their homes, given the unpredictability of the violence. The Indian Army has increased its presence in border areas, providing assistance to civilians while maintaining defensive positions.

Military dynamics and strategic moves

The Indian Army’s response to the shelling has been described as proportionate but firm. Artillery units have targeted Pakistani posts along the Line of Control, aiming to neutralize threats while minimizing civilian casualties. The use of heavy weaponry, including 155mm Bofors cannons, indicates the intensity of the engagement. Indian forces have also deployed additional troops to border areas, preparing for potential further escalation.

Pakistan’s military, meanwhile, has employed a combination of artillery and small arms fire, targeting both military and civilian areas. The alleged downing of five Indian jets, though unverified, suggests an aggressive posture. The closure of airspace around Lahore points to heightened security measures, with Pakistan bracing for additional Indian strikes.

Both nations’ militaries are on high alert, with advanced weaponry and surveillance systems in play. The use of drones and radar systems has been reported, adding a technological dimension to the conflict. The strategic importance of Kashmir, coupled with domestic political pressures, complicates efforts to de-escalate.

Public reaction and national sentiment

In India, Operation Sindoor has garnered widespread support, with citizens, politicians, and victims’ families praising the military’s actions. The Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people, including Indian Air Force Corporal Tage Hailyang, left a deep scar on the nation. Hailyang’s widow, Charo Kamhua Tage, publicly endorsed the operation, calling for the government to dismantle terror networks. Her emotional appeal resonated with many, fueling pro-military demonstrations across Jammu and Kashmir.

Social media platforms have been abuzz with patriotic sentiments, with hashtags like #JaiHind trending widely. However, there are also voices of concern, with some urging the government to prioritize civilian safety and avoid a full-scale war. In Pakistan, public reaction has been marked by anger over the Indian strikes, with protests reported in several cities. The government’s vow to retaliate has bolstered nationalistic fervor, though fears of escalation persist.

The polarized reactions reflect the deep divide between the two nations, with each side framing the other as the aggressor. The role of media in shaping public opinion has been significant, with Indian outlets highlighting the precision of Operation Sindoor and Pakistani channels focusing on civilian casualties.

Economic and logistical disruptions

The conflict has disrupted economic activity in border regions, with markets and businesses shutting down amid the violence. In Jammu and Kashmir, the closure of schools, colleges, and the Srinagar airport has halted normal operations. The suspension of examinations at Kashmir University has affected thousands of students, adding to the region’s challenges.

Trade across the Line of Control, already limited, has come to a standstill. The shelling has damaged infrastructure, including roads and power lines, further isolating border communities. In Pakistan, the closure of airspace around Lahore has disrupted commercial flights, affecting both domestic and international travel.

The economic toll includes:

• Suspension of cross-border trade, impacting local businesses.
• Damage to infrastructure, requiring significant repair costs.
• Disruption of tourism in Kashmir, a key economic driver.
• Increased military spending as both nations bolster defenses.

The long-term economic impact will depend on the duration and intensity of the conflict, with both nations facing pressure to balance security and economic stability.